A young man in Athens or in Rome did not, as a rule, marry
immediately on coming of age. He might remain a bachelor for several years,
sometimes till he was thirty or over. The young man's father had most to do
with the selection of a wife. He tried to secure for his son some daughter of a
friend who possessed rank and property equal to his own. The parents of the two
parties would then enter into a contract which, among other things, usually
stated how large a dowry the bride's father was to settle on his daughter. An
engagement was usually very little a matter of romance and very much a matter
of business.
WEDDING CUSTOMS
The wedding customs of the Greeks and Romans presented
many likenesses. Marriage, among both peoples, was a religious ceremony. On the
appointed day the principals and their guests, dressed in holiday attire, met
at the house of the bride. In the case of a Roman wedding the auspices were
then taken, and the words of the nuptial contract were pronounced in the
presence of witnesses. After a solemn sacrifice to the gods of marriage, the
guests partook of the wedding banquet. When night came on, the husband brought
his wife to her new abode, escorted by a procession of torchbearers, musicians,
and friends, who sang the happy wedding song.
POSITION OF WOMEN
An Athenian wife, during her younger years, always
remained more or less a prisoner. She could not go out except by permission.
She took no part in the banquets and entertainments which her husband gave. She
lived a life of confinement in that quarter of the house assigned to the women
for their special abode. Married women at Rome enjoyed a far more honorable
position. Although early custom placed the wife, together with her children, in
the power of the husband, still she possessed many privileges. She did not
remain all the time at home, but mingled freely in society. She was the friend
and confidante of her husband, as well as his housekeeper. During the great
days of Roman history the women showed themselves virtuous and dignified,
loving wives and excellent companions.