Marriage in the Ancient World

Marriage is a historical phenomenon: it assumes various forms and has distinct meanings in different societies, even those that have been regarded as the fountainhead of Western values. This course (a seminar addressed in particular to upper-level undergraduates) investigates this important social institution in ancient Greece and Rome, using a variety of primary documents (literary, historical, epigraphical, etc.) and taking account of modern approaches to the study of marriage, including anthropological, sociological and psychological theories. All sources will be read in English.