<P> Marriage in ancient Rome was a strictly monogamous institution: a Roman citizen by law could have only one spouse at a time . The practice of monogamy distinguished the Greeks and Romans from other ancient civilizations, in which elite males typically had multiple wives . Greco - Roman monogamy may have arisen from the egalitarianism of the democratic and republican political systems of the city - states . It is one aspect of ancient Roman culture that was embraced by early Christianity, which in turn perpetuated it as an ideal in later Western culture . </P> <P> Marriage had mythical precedents, starting with the abduction of the Sabine Women, which may reflect the archaic custom of bride abduction . Romulus and his band of male immigrants were rejected conubium, the legal right to intermarriage, from the Sabines . According to Livy, Romulus and his men abducted the Sabine maidens, but promised them an honorable marriage, in which they would enjoy the benefits of property, citizenship, and children . These three benefits seem to define the purpose of marriage in ancient Rome . </P>

Marriage is an ancient religious and legal practice celebrated around the world