Roman Marriages

Matrimonium -- Latin for Roman marriage -- took a variety of forms -- Confarreatio, Coemptio, Usus, and Sine Manu -- which affected the dowry and freedom of the woman.

Although a 19th century entry filled with legal terms, this entry in Bill Thayer's online Dctionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities by William Smith, spells out many of the missing pieces in other online descriptions of Roman marriage.

Bryn Mawr Classical Review by David Potter of Susan Treggiari's, Roman Marriage: Iusti Coniuges from the Time of Cicero to the time of Ulpian, which he says will lead to the rejection of Veyne's picture of Roman home life.

In this abbreviated article, Susan Martin looks at the 180 lines on a 1st C B.C funerary epitaph to a beloved wife to reconstruct the matron's life. Mentions ages at marriage. Full text available.

Chapter from Ancient Rome from the Earliest Times Down to 476 A.D., by Robert F. Pennell, on customs of daily life, including Roman houses, names, marriages, education, funerals, festivals and games, and more.

Tiberius was obligated to marry the daughter of the emperor, although he wanted to stay put in an earlier marriage. The couple did not get along.