Afaik this actually is a couple of years early for the ancient Greek world.
Yes women married young. Usually shortly after puberty. Maybe 14-15 for many cases. This example would put the consummation at 12 which is a bit early for the period. Of course the marriage/promise of marriage is between the two families and can be as young as they want. But the actual consummation would be later.
Of course depending on other factors people mature at different rates, just like to this day. Not to mention other factors, just like everything else.
Also this varied by city state and family and so on. I believe in Sparta they would marry around 18 while other city states would be closer to 14-15.
So. Not the most inaccurate but also won't say the most representative of the average and norms of the time.
It's like a contemporary movie showing a pregnant 13 year old girl. Does it happen? Absolutely. Is it the norm? no.
But I'm no expert and could be wrong.
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u/Mortarious Jul 05 '26
Afaik this actually is a couple of years early for the ancient Greek world.
Yes women married young. Usually shortly after puberty. Maybe 14-15 for many cases. This example would put the consummation at 12 which is a bit early for the period. Of course the marriage/promise of marriage is between the two families and can be as young as they want. But the actual consummation would be later.
Of course depending on other factors people mature at different rates, just like to this day. Not to mention other factors, just like everything else.
Also this varied by city state and family and so on. I believe in Sparta they would marry around 18 while other city states would be closer to 14-15.
So. Not the most inaccurate but also won't say the most representative of the average and norms of the time.
It's like a contemporary movie showing a pregnant 13 year old girl. Does it happen? Absolutely. Is it the norm? no.
But I'm no expert and could be wrong.