Since the dawn of civilization, humans have been seeking connection and relationships — but the concept of marriage is a newer phenomenon. Evidence suggests that the institution of marriage is only several thousand years old, a small blip on humanity's 300,000-year timeline. The idea that two people would spend their whole lives together has only become mainstream in recent centuries.

Many of the latest modern partner trends, like polyamory , throuples and " trad wives ," are actually variations on historical marriage tropes. But even newer than the idea of marriage? The idea that you'd marry someone because you actually love them.

How old is marriage as an institution?

(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

The best available evidence suggests that it's

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