The Greeks
Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
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Greek Women
Women married when they were around 15. Their husbands were usually in their twenties. Marriages were arranged between families, and when everything had been agreed upon, the bride was taken in a procession to her new home. Once her first child had been born, she was seen as a full member of her new family.
The wife looked after everything in the new home, including the young children. In richer homes she would have slaves to help her. However, in poorer families she would be not much better than a slave, because all the household tasks had to be done by hand.
Couples could get divorced, but few wives would have been able to afford to leave their husbands.


(A) BRIDE
The bride remained veiled until she had arrived at her new home and had been welcomed to the household. The couple was showered with nuts and dried fruit for good luck.

(B) BEST FRIEND
The bridegroom would select one of his closest friends to travel in the procession cart with him and his bride.

(C) MOTHER OF THE GROOM
The bridegrooms mother would be at the door of her sons home to welcome the new bride.

(D) PROCESSION
After a wedding feast at the brides house, the bridegroom would take her back to his house. The procession took place at night with music and hymns.
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The Greeks
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Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
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Greek Women