Recall Cato that at 80 he married a virgin who was not even 20 years old.

What is she like? normality? Some still believe that this figure should not exceed 5-10 years. It is important that the man is older. Some people have long believed that age is just an empty limitation.



One way or another, modern people gradually learn not to interfere in each other’s personal lives. And couples with a large age difference now almost no surprise. Interestingly, this turn in history repeats itself. Older men used to marry very young girls. Have we forgotten that?

The story I'm going to share with you today is very old. So much so that few people have heard about it, because it happened in the second century BC. Her hero is the ancient Roman politician Marcus Portius Cato.

The life of this man was very interesting. He managed to achieve considerable heights, although he was born in a simple family that raised cattle. A sharp mind, oratory talent and, no doubt, luck helped Mark to break out in people.



Instagram / @marcus.porcius_cato He managed to take part in the Second Punic War, and was also in the service of the ancient Roman military commander Guy Claudius Nero. In the course of the hostilities, a huge number of aristocrats who were to rule Rome in the future died. The ruling elite lost their heirs.

People from the bottom got the opportunity to prove themselves and take a prestigious position. That's when Mark Portius Cato fired. He was sent to Sardinia, where he was appointed manager. He showed remarkable talent in work and people liked him because he was a simple man.

Very soon Cato was appointed consul. He went to Spain, as we say, for work. There he was engaged in the development of new territories. Simply put, their capture. And I have to say that he did it very well.



Instagram / @mel_storni Mark was moving up the career ladder. The success of this man has not bypassed anyone. He made many friends and even more enemies. Everything went well on the love front. He married a girl from a noble family. Licinia gave birth to an heir, whom he raised independently.

The life of the Roman politician was filled with meaning. He fought against human vices and luxury. In addition, Mark was an exemplary family man and a great father.



Instagram / @marcus.porcius_cato When he turned 80, his beloved wife passed away. However, when he was widowed, he did not become lonely. An elderly man was targeted by his maid. In those days, romance was the norm. However, Cato showed too clearly that he was breathing unevenly towards his slave. His son noticed and shamed him.

Mark Portius decided that he could marry for a second time. Except he was too old. Therefore, in noble families to give daughters for such a man simply did not want. Cato did not despair and continued his search. As a result, he chose the young daughter of his former scribe as his wife.



Instagram / @catothe_elder The girl looked no older than 15, when in fact she was almost 20. She did not participate in the decision of her future fate. Dad did it for her. All of Rome congratulated the newly married couple on their wedding.

This is an amazing age difference! 60 years separated young Salonia and wise Cato. But even more surprising in this story is quite different. Salonia became pregnant and gave birth to her husband a second heir. The boy was named Salonian.

5 years later, Mark Portius Cato passed away. His young wife remained in Rome, where she was respected and appreciated by all the inhabitants of the city. Salonian followed in his father’s footsteps as a statesman.



Instagram / @ Similar cases in the history of the world not so much. The 60-year age difference is impressive. So if you ever get into an argument about age in a relationship, you know what an example to give.

What do you think about the age difference between spouses and partners? Boldly share your thoughts in the comments!