What is the term for the marriage practiced by slaves in ancient Rome?

The term that refers to the marriage practiced by slaves in ancient Rome is "contubernium." This arrangement was not considered a formal marriage in the eyes of Roman law, but rather a recognized union that allowed slaves to live together and form a family-like bond. While it provided some level of stability and companionship for the slaves, they had limited rights compared to free citizens and the union could be easily dissolved by the master of the slaves involved.

The other terms listed relate to different aspects of Roman culture. "Flammeum" refers to the flame-colored veil worn by a bride during a traditional Roman wedding. "Vittae" are the strips of wool tied around the forehead of a bride as part of the wedding ceremony. "Nodus Herculeanus" describes a knot associated with a specific nuptial ceremony, often said to represent the binding nature of a marriage but does not specifically refer to the unions formed by slaves. Understanding these distinctions enhances the comprehension of social practices in ancient Rome, particularly regarding the status of slaves.