Roman Marriage by Catherine Dowling Marriage in Ancient

Roman Marriage by Catherine Dowling

Marriage in Ancient Rome: General Information - Usually not romantic - Men were usually in their mid-twenties and women were usually in their early teens - Roman marriage was monogamous; men could only have one wife

Marriage in Ancient Rome: Law - Bride and groom had to be Roman citizens - Or have a special permission called “conubium” - Emperor Augustus made laws governing marriage - Provincial officials could not marry local women - Citizens could not marry prostitutes or actresses - Marriage between close relatives was not allowed Rēx king

Marriage in Ancient Rome: Engagement - At a betrothal, the bride and groom were committed to marrying each other - Gifts would be given A dowry would be agreed on A wedding date would be set - The two parties would sign a written agreement and share a kiss

Marriage in Ancient Rome: Dowry - The bride’s family gave something to the groom’s family - Dowries could have included: - Land (terra), slaves, jewelry, and clothes

Marriage in Ancient Rome: Wedding Tradition - The groom would be led to the bride’s - The bride would meet him with her bridesmaids house (casa) - The bride would wear a white tunic and orange shoes and veil - A marriage contract would be signed - The new wife would be carried over the threshold of the couple’s home There would be a feast following the ceremony

Wedding Day

Marriage in Ancient Rome: The Woman’s Role (fēmina) - Wives were in charge of the household and slaves - Mothers were responsible to teach (docet) their children - Women often helped with business

Marriage in Ancient Rome: Divorce - Divorce was common - The couple had to declare their intent to divorce in front of seven witnesses - The wife would receive her dowry back - If the woman committed adultery, she might lose half or all of her dowry

Marriage in Ancient Rome: Remarriage - Remarriage was common due to the high death rate and low life expectancy in ancient Rome - Unfaithful wives who were divorced by their husbands, were not permitted to remarry - Widows and widowers were encouraged to remarry

Sources http: //www. pbs. org/empires/romans/empire/weddings. html http: //www. tribunesandtriumphs. org/roman-life/roman-marriage. htm