HISTORY 36B Lecture 13: History 36 B Lecture 13
Document Summary
Men married at 30 years of age to girls 15 or older. Marriage was the foundation of the oikos/family. A girl"s father had to pay a dowry (another reason some families didn"t want too many daughters, for poor even one) At time of marriage girls dedicated their dolls and toys to artemis to signal transition to adulthood. Procession, lite by torches, to the home of her future husband. Athenian law permitted only one legal spouse. Men could have additional sexual partners regardless of gender. Legal to marry a first cousin, uncle, or even niece. A girl whose brothers or other younger male relatives died. Had to marry her father"s relative to perpetuate the oikos. If she was married, she had to divorce. Law stipulated that an epikleros must have sex at least 3 times per month. Divorce common and not a source of shame/stigma. Wife"s dowry usually a combination of cash and moveable property (including farm animals)
