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preserved text concludes with remarks (broken) concerning the chil-
dren which his wife will bear him.5.1.2 Terminology
The standard term for wife is ̇m.t, but the designation “mistress of
the house” (nb.t-pr), already attested since the Middle Kingdom, is
perhaps an indication of marriage.^1985.1.3 Conditions
The groom seems to have entered into communication with the father
of the bride and presents him with the “gift of a woman.”^199 ’ernÿ
cites one possible example of brother-sister marriage from the Twenty-
second Dynasty (both children of a great chief of Ma).^2005.1.4 Divorce
Divorce is mentioned in P. Berlin 3048, verso.^201 The two early mar-
riage documents both stipulate that the husband on divorcing his
wife must pay her the amount of her “gift of a woman,” unless
justified by her adultery. True divorce documents are not attested
in the Third Intermediate period, but only since the sixth century.^2025.1.5 Remarriage
There are references to “the first” and the “second” wives of a soldier
in P. Louvre E 3228c, but they may well have been consecutive
marriages.^2035.1.6 Polygamy
As in other stages of Egyptian history, monogamy seems to have
been the rule.^204 Concubines are mentioned occasionally in the doc-
uments. The Oracular Amuletic Decrees, for example, contain the
wish that the protectee’s “concubines ( ̇bs.w) be fruitful.”^205(^198) Niwinski, “Some Remarks on Rank and Titles.. .,” 80.
(^199) Johnson, “Annuity Contracts.. .,” 114.
(^200) ’ernÿ, “Consanguineous Marriages.. .,” 23.
(^201) Lüddeckens, Eheverträge.. ., 11.
(^202) Allam, “Mariage.. .,” 122.
(^203) Menu, “Cessions.. .,” 79.
(^204) See Allam, “Mariage.. .,” 123, for remarks on polygamy.
(^205) As rendered by Edwards, Oracular Amuletic Decrees.. ., 48. On this passage, see
Eyre, “Adoption Papyrus.. .,” 212.
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