Marriage and House

Question 1

Addendum re marriage

Answer 1

Marriage requires consent from both parties. Though young girls might find it hard to object. And the paterfamilias has to consent. This is related to the concept of intent

Question 2

Dowry: wife’s contribution to the marriage and children

Answer 2

Passes to children, not husband on her death. Marriage practices and law are concerned with the property that goes with the woman

Question 3

Expectations for marriage

Answer 3

Legitimate children. Concordia = harmony, getting along. Concordia is often praised on tombstones

Question 4

Augustan marriage legislation, 18 BCE and 9 CE

Answer 4

Wants people to be married, have citizen children. Applies to: Men aged 20-60, Women aged 20-50. Preference given to men with children in public offices. The unmarried can’t receive legacies

Question 5

ius liberorum (right of children)

Answer 5

After a woman has three children, she can become sui iuris (“in her own right”) WITHOUT a guardian (tutor). But it doesn’t end patriapotestas. A freedwoman has to have 4 children to get this privilege and loses obligation for operae

Question 6

Divorce

Answer 6

Can be initiated by husband or wife. Ending intent is enough. No social stigma. Dowry must be returned (or some kept for children). Children stay with father

Question 7

Adultery: a wife’s crime

Answer 7

Wife must be faithful. Forfeit dowry. A man commits adultery by seducing a married woman. But slaves, prostitutes, etc. acceptable for husband

Question 8

18 BCE: Julian laws on adultery (Augustus)

Answer 8

Adultery is a crime. Have to prosecute.Penalties for lenient husband. Rewards for informers. Father can kill daughter if he catches her. Must kill daughter too if he kills the lover

Question 9

Concubinage

Answer 9

A relationship that doesn’t lead to legitimate children. Partners of different status (often). Can’t have a concubine and a wife

Question 10

The Roman house (domus)—
public and invitation-only parts

Answer 10

Suited to patron-client system. Invitation as a way to show status. Public/private refers to invitation. Vitruvius, wrote De Architectura in Augustan era

Question 11

Atrium house

Answer 11

Women are not segregated. Slaves may work anywhere. Usually there is not slave quarters

Question 12

Lararium (household
shrine)

Answer 12

Lares are household gods. In atrium. Also kitchens