Lelis, Arnold

Mr. Lelis obtained a BA in History at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in History at the University of Minnesota, where he has already obtained an MA in European History.

The Age of Marriage in Ancient Rome

2003 0-7734-6665-7
This study provides a convenient review of the research done and various views held since the late 19th century on the age of marriage in ancient Roman society. It offers an hypothesis that explains the apparent discrepancy between the literary and epigraphic evidence. The age of marriage in Rome had important demographic implications. This study argues and demonstrates that, given the extremely high mortality rate in the Roman Empire, a very early age of marriage was desirable, especially for Roman girls, in order to ensure a reasonably stable population. This study will make a significant contribution to the area of Roman demography and social history.