\paperw4695 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \li105 \f1 \fs22 There were two forms of marriage in use in Rome: in the first, and older one, the woman became part of the husb
and's family, submitting to his conjugal authority; in the second, the wife continued to belong to the paternal family, retaining its rights of inheritance and remaining subject to her own father. Fidelity was extremely important in Roman society: an unf
aithful woman was repudiated by her husband and incurred severe penalties. Having had only one husband was considered a female virtue; women who married for a second time, even after being widowed, did not meet with public approval. Unlike the Greeks, wh
o kept their women shut up in the gynaecea and did not spend their free time with their families, the Romans were fond of domestic life and attended receptions and banquets in the company of their wives. In fact, while the Roman custom of finding husband
s for daughters at a very early age forced girls to live a secluded life, once married Roman matrons were trusted by their husbands and were able to enjoy an active social life.\par
