Rihla 8

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Marriage in roman culture

Marriage was not romantic. It was simply an agreement between families to advance wealth/class. The men married in their 20s to girls who were in their early teens. Romans could only get married if they were roman citizens or were given special permission. Before augustus passed the lex Julia law, freed slaves couldn't marry citizens after law was passed freed slaves couldn't marry senators. Augustus also passed other laws regarding marriage. Prostitutes and actresses couldn't marry, soldiers had special circumstances, officials couldn't marry local women, and unfaithful divorced wives couldn't remarry.
Steps included the betrothal, gifts and dowry exchanged between families, then signing papers and kissing to seal the deal. The bride wore white tunic, orange veil, orange shoes. The wedding simply showed intent to live together.

Divorce was just as simple as marriage. It symbolized intent to no longer live together. Law was that couple have 7 witnesses to divorce. Dowry given back in full unless wife cheated. Girl goes back under fathers protection.

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