I can remember reading that a Vestal who was accused of breaking her vow of virginity was entitled to challenge the charge by carrying water in a sieve. (This could be possible under certain circumstances with a new sieve made of horse hair--if the person carrying the water were VERY steady.)

It seems to be a variant on a standard form of the "ordeal" method of addressing criminal charges. So, this may be correct information. I read this when I was in the 6th grade--which was quite a while ago--and cannot remember the name of the book or the author's name.

Does anybody have any information on this?