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

The Sumerians, one of the earliest known civilizations, had a complex view of family and marriage that was shaped by their social, economic, and religious practices. Family was an important part of Sumerian society, and marriage was viewed as a way to create and maintain alliances between families, as well as to ensure the continuation of the family line.

In Sumerian society, marriage was typically arranged by the parents of the bride and groom, with the consent of the individuals involved. Polygamy was permitted, but it was usually practiced only by the wealthy and powerful, and monogamy was the norm. Divorce was also permitted, but it was usually initiated by the husband, who had to pay a substantial fee to the wife if he chose to end the marriage.

The Sumerians also had a complex view of the roles and responsibilities of family members. The father was the head of the household and had significant authority over his family, but the mother also played an important role in the upbringing of children. Sons were expected to follow in their father's footsteps and become farmers, traders, or craftsmen, while daughters were expected to marry and have children.