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Incestuous relationships were commonplace in ancient Egypt, where royal families engaged in sibling marriages to maintain bloodline purity and political power. They believed that doing so enhanced their divine status. Similarly, ancient Mesopotamia and dynasties like the Shang in China practiced incest to reinforce political alliances, often leading to hereditary health issues within these royal lineages.
The Development of Marriage Customs
The reasons behind incest varied significantly across historical contexts. In some societies, marrying within close familial lines was a way to consolidate power and preserve wealth, as seen in various ancient kingdoms. Marriage customs often reflected broader societal norms, with varying degrees of acceptance and legal enforcement.