The History of Rome

The modern western world still holds to some of the traditions or variations thereof. Though not legally required consummation on the night of the wedding was expected and signaled that the two now held between them a contract of fidelity. The next morning the bride would emerge from their room and begin her new life as a matron in her husband's family. Although affection and kinship kept her tied to her old family legally she was now the property of her husband.