Rihla #8

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Roman Weddings

Wedding and Marriage:
-"Declaration to live together"
-Girls and boys usually married by ages 12 to 14
-Fathers chose dowry for the husband's family.
-Patricians/upper class: economic or political considerations thought of more than love or compatibility.
-Women went from being under father's control to husband's control.
- Dowry brought to the wedding belonged to the husband.
-Wedding held at bride's father's house.
-10 witnesses
- "Vows": "Quando tu Gaius, ego Gaia." (When-and where-you are Gaius, I then-and there-am Gaia.)
-Rings worn on third finger of left hand because it was believed a nerve from that finger led directly to the heart.
- Month of marriage was usually June to avoid ill omens; May and February.
-Bride recited consent chant before entering her new home.
-Bride's dress tied with "Knot of Hercules"
- Women were mens property

Divorce:
-"Declaration to not live together"
-Divorce unknown before Republican period
-Women keep control of dowry
- Choice by women generally
- 7 witnesses
-common in upper class
-Women go back to the protection of their fathers
-Opportunity for women to regain independence.
-Women who are adulterers must give their husbands half their dowry
-Men were not seen as adulterers.

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