Why did kings have so many wives?

Several reasons. Infant mortality was much higher. So having more babies with more wives insured that you had surviving heirs. Having more wives was looked upon as a sign that you were wealthy and manly – you could afford to have a large family, and “take care” of many women.

Did people in the Middle Ages marry for love?

It is difficult to know how many medieval people married for love or found love in their marriage. There was certainly a distinction between free consent to marry and having a completely free choice.

Why was marriage considered important during the Middle Ages?

In general, however, peasant marriages were not common, as there was little need for a formal exchange of property among the poor. Besides being a means of property exchange, marriage was also seen – especially by the church – as a means for regulating sexual activity and controlling carnal desire.

Who had 700 wives in the Bible?

Solomon
Solomon, third king of Israel (reigned c. 968–928 B.C.E.), is said to have had a harem that included 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kgs 11:3).

What were relationships like in medieval times?

Husbands and wives were generally strangers until they first met. If love was involved at all, it came after the couple had been married. Even if love did not develop through marriage, the couple generally developed a friendship of some sort. The arrangement of marriage was done by the bride and groom’s parents.

What were medieval marriages like?

In the Middle Ages children were married at a young age. Girls were as young as 12 when they married, and boys as young as 17. The arrangement of the marriage was based on monetary worth. The family of the girl who was to be married gives a dowry, or donation, to the boy she is to marry.

What was marriage like in the Middle Ages?

Medieval marriage practice continues to influence ceremonies today – from banns [the reading three times of your intention to marry] to declaring vows in the present tense. Indeed, the word ‘wedding’ itself even dates from the medieval period.

Why were kings with only one wife in bed?

Rest all wives were usually from small kingdoms and were of less important to king. So kings were with only there main wives in bed and thet were good at it. At a time only one wife was attended. Why was it accepted that kings (and queens) had known mistresses (and misters)?

How many wives does a king have?

Though in old times each king had many wives, but for the king only there 1st 2nd or sometimes 3rd wife was also important. Rest all wives were usually from small kingdoms and were of less important to king. So kings were with only there main wives in bed and thet were good at it. At a time only one wife was attended.

Where did kings’ wives live in the Middle Ages?

But don’t get me wrong. The lady who would be married off lived at the palace of the King with all the glory, although there would be many similar ladies living at the same palace, with a similar position. The Kings even used to build seperate palaces for each of his favorite wives (yeah, plural).