Why was the engagement system in ancient Rome a transaction and a promise between two men?

Because the early marriage in Rome requires the groom to ask the bride's family if they want to get engaged, and the bride's parents only need to answer yes andno. This verbal engagement usually involves parents selling the bride to the groom at a fixed price, so this verbal agreement is only a transaction and commitment between two men. At the same time, this oral agreement has legal effect, so the groom can't break it after engagement.

Early marriage in Rome is usually when the girl is very young, which is also the beginning of marriage. However, this is not a compulsory engagement process, and there is no need to fulfill the obligation of engagement. However, when engaged, the girl does not need to make any commitment, usually the girl's guardian or the parents who prefer sons to daughters make a commitment for the woman. In the period of * * * and, most of them were engaged verbally, and few were engaged formally. However, in some aristocratic families, agreements are generally signed. For civilians, neighbors or parents are mostly invited, and only someone needs to testify or witness to prove that the engagement is valid.

However, marriage in Rome during the period of * * * was not protected by law. Even if the two parties are engaged, one party can go back on his word without being punished by law, and only one party needs to be notified to dissolve the marriage. After the imperial period, the laws of the Roman Empire began to clearly stipulate that fathers should prepare marriage and dowry for their children. However, at the end of this period, it seems that the father will give this right to his wife, who will decide the marriage of his children.

The symbol of aristocratic engagement is the wedding ring, so when engaged, the nobles will prepare the wedding ring, which is a way for the bride to express her commitment, and then the parents or guardians will sign the engagement at the engagement ceremony. At the same time, at the end of the * * * period, if the engagement is legally effective, the breaching party shall compensate the other party for the property loss if the marriage is dissolved without reason.

With the passage of time, the right of marriage is gradually transferred from parents to children, and marriage is also protected by law.