Marriages in ancient Egypt were often arranged to strengthen connections between families or for financial advancement. All the same, romantic love was still important to Egyptians and celebrated in poetry from the age.
The Chester Beatty Papyri date from 1200 BC and show a speaker praising the beauty of his lover, which demonstrates the idealised form of beauty at the time: “She radiates perfection and glows with health. The glance of her eye is gorgeous. Her lips speak sweetly, and not one word too many. Long-necked and milky breasted she is, her hair the colour of pure lapis.” The speaker refers to this woman as his “sister” – this does not mean that they were related but rather was a term of respect and esteem for women! In fact, marrying one’s family members was frowned upon for most of the population with the exception of the royal family, to preserve bloodlines and royal lineage. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “sisterly love”.
One of the most famous Pharaohs from Egyptian dynasties was also renowned for his romantic love match. The young Tutankhamun, who ruled from 1332 – 1323 BC, was married to his half-sister Ankhesenamun. Images from ancient art reveal their devotion to each other; she is frequently depicted by his side hunting and offering him flowers, and their hand gestures and facial expressions show genuine love for each other. Tragically, their love was cut short upon his death at the tender age of 18.
Marriage Ceremonies: An Eternal Bond
Egyptian marriage ceremonies were somewhat casual in comparison to today’s lavish parties. They were often arranged between parents with reciprocal gifts between households and set up for the purpose of setting up connections and having children. Both the groom and bride’s father would draw up marriage settlements which were signed before witnesses, at which point the woman would join her husband’s home.
#ancientegypt #history #marriage #cleopatra
Scriptwriter: Natasha Martell – https://7strangethings.com/
Video Editor & Motion Graphics: Abhishek Sharma
Voice-over Artist: Stephen Lewis
Music: Motionarray.com
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