1. Roman Marriage
by Catherine Dowling

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. Wedding Day

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Sources http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/weddings.html