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Lex Romana Familiae, Patsy Lewis Barr

Master's Theses

Marriage among the Romans could occur at quite an early age, according to modern standards. Bethrothal might be arranged at any age above seven.1 The custom of early bethrothal and marriage certainly tended to discourage any romantic inclinations. If one did marry for love, generally it was with a widow or divorcee. The possibility of sentimental attachment among the very young was slight, but marriage to the Romans was not for love, but for duty to the state. Often the Romans had to rely on a post-marital propinquity for the development of love which normally precedes marriage.