When did marriage begin?

Evidence suggests marriage is at least 4,300 years old

Photo collage of a medieval depiction of a wedding, a marriage contract, "The Jewish Bride" by Rembrandt van Rhijn, and modern white bridal lace. The images form a ring together, split into two halves.
Marriage's original purpose was to bind women to men, and thus guarantee that a man's children were truly his biological heirs
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

While interhuman relationships may go back to the early years of humanity, there is one ritual known the world over that has a much more recent history: marriage. Evidence suggests that marriage as an institution may only be several thousand years old, with the idea of one man and one woman spending their lives together being a relatively new concept. Even newer is the idea of being together because you actually love your spouse.

Many of the modern partner trends, like polyamory and throuples, are actually variations on old themes. Also taking root in historical precedence are fads like the "trad wife" movement, which has been making waves on social media.

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