How did the Babylonians view the concept of family and marriage?

The Babylonians, who lived in ancient Mesopotamia between the 18th and 6th centuries BCE, had a complex and structured view of family and marriage. The family was seen as the foundation of society, and a successful marriage was essential for the well-being of both the individuals involved and the wider community.

Marriages were usually arranged by parents or other family members, with a contract drawn up between the two families detailing the terms of the union. In Babylonian society, men were allowed to have multiple wives and could divorce them easily, but women had fewer rights in marriage and divorce.

Children were highly valued in Babylonian society, as they were seen as the future of the family and the community. A large family was a sign of prosperity and success. Inheritance laws were also important, with property being passed down through the male line of the family.