Marriage as an institution was not invented at a specific moment but evolved gradually over thousands of years. The earliest recorded evidence of marriage dates back to around 2350 B.C. in ancient Mesopotamia. In these early forms, marriage primarily served as a social and legal contract between families to establish alliances, secure property rights, and ensure the legitimacy of heirs. It was less about romantic love and more about practicality, survival, and social structure. Marriage existed in many ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome, where it was used to preserve family lineage, produce heirs, and manage property. Over time, it took on spiritual, societal, and legal significance, evolving into the diverse wedding traditions seen today. The concept of marrying for love is a more recent development, becoming common only in the 18th century. In summary, marriage was invented as a formalized social institution around 2350 B.C. in Mesopotamia, evolving with human societies and adapting to cultural and economic needs throughout history.