Marriage and Family in the Middle Ages

The book "Marriage and Family in the Middle Ages" continues the series of classic popular science bestsellers about life in the Middle Ages by the famous researchers and popularizers of history Joseph and Frances Gies. It is a fascinating account of the evolution of the family during the medieval period.

For many centuries, the family — the main social unit — had exceptionally important significance. In addition to the obvious economic, religious, social, and educational importance, entering into a marital union was simply a guarantee of survival and well-being for both men and women.

In their book, the authors trace the development of marital traditions throughout the Middle Ages, noting how Roman and "barbarian" cultural currents, merging and transforming under the influence of the Christian church, created new concepts, customs, laws, and practices; many of which governed family life until very recently, and some remain alive to this day.