who were the first Nuns?

Answer 1

Scripture mentions widows and virgins. The writings between the scriptures and the first formal monastic communities show that non-organized groups of widows and virgins were always a part of the Christian experience. It is Basil and Benedict who really organize these disparate groups into monastic communities although certainly Anthony and Paul the Hermit are much older and set both the ideas of Basil and Benedict in motion. One should also not entirely forget Pachomius, but history has left his rule of life to become secondary.

The list of widows and virgins seem to be a permanent status of a person just as priesthood was seen as permanent. It just was not a defined or well organized group as nuns would become.

Answer 2

I thought the original 'nuns' where the women who gathered at the foot of the cross when Jesus was being crucified (Mary Magdaline and Mary Jesus's mother were there, along with some other women (???).)

Answer 3

Not sure. I know when Christians went to Britain they were trying to convert the pagans. The priestesses lived in one place together so as the christians slowly started making changes the priestesses became nuns.
That's the short story.

Answer 4

I think they were the Vestal Virgins of Rome.

Answer 5

I would guess the Vestal Virgins, too.