The History of the Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece, Volume 2 (of 3)

"The History of the Manners and Customs of Ancient Greece, Volume 2" by James Augustus St. John is a historical text from the 1800s that explores ancient Greek society, mainly its marriage ceremonies and the lives of married women. It looks at how these traditions show what the people of ancient Greece valued and considered normal. The book starts by explaining the complicated marriage customs of the time, including the use of matchmakers and the steps of betrothal and weddings, pointing out the religious and social importance of these events. The author shows how tradition strongly affected marriage ceremonies and begins a discussion about the role and changing opinions of women, looking at their position as wives and their involvement in family life and noting the disagreements between what society expects and personal freedom.