In general in ancient Greece, each state, city or village possessed its own central hearth and sacred fire, the "prytaneum", representing the unity and vitality of the community. The fire was kept alight continuously, tended by the king or members of his family. The building in which this fire was kept was the "prytaneum", and the chieftain (the king or "prytanis") probably made it his residence. The building contained the holy fire of Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, and symbol of the life of the city.