Vesta
an ancient goddess, called Hestia by the Greeks. According to the traditions of that people she was a virgin divinity, and watched over the fire that burned on the household hearth, which was looked on as her shrine. Something sacred attached to this part of the house.
It was the family altar; here suppliants took refuge; on it oaths were sworn.
Each town had its public fire, which was left continually burning in the the Prytane-