Coelia Concordia
Encyclopedia
Coelia Concordia was the last vestal virgin
in history and the last Vestalis Maxima or Chief Vestal. The Temple of Vesta
was closed in 391 by the Roman emperor
Theodosius I
, and Coelia stepped down from her post in 394
. She converted to Christianity
later in her life, and died twelve years later.
Vestal Virgin
In ancient Roman religion, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins , were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The College of the Vestals and its well-being was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome, as embodied by their cultivation of the sacred fire that could not be...
in history and the last Vestalis Maxima or Chief Vestal. The Temple of Vesta
Temple of Vesta
The Temple of Vesta is an ancient edifice in Rome, Italy, located in the Roman Forum near the Regia and the House of the Vestal Virgins. The temple's most recognizable feature is its circular footprint. Since the worship of Vesta began in private homes, the architecture seems to be a reminder of...
was closed in 391 by the Roman emperor
Roman Emperor
The Roman emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period . The Romans had no single term for the office although at any given time, a given title was associated with the emperor...
Theodosius I
Theodosius I
Theodosius I , also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman Emperor from 379 to 395. Theodosius was the last emperor to rule over both the eastern and the western halves of the Roman Empire. During his reign, the Goths secured control of Illyricum after the Gothic War, establishing their homeland...
, and Coelia stepped down from her post in 394
394
Year 394 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Flavianus without colleague...
. She converted to Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
later in her life, and died twelve years later.