Marriages in the city of Ur in ancient Mesopotamia followed a specific procedure that involved various rituals and customs. Let's take a closer look at the detailed procedure of marriages in the city of Ur.

1. Matchmaking:
The process of arranging a marriage typically began with the matchmaking stage. Parents or family members would actively seek suitable partners for their children. This could involve consulting with relatives, friends, or professional matchmakers.

2. Negotiations:
Once a potential match was identified, negotiations between the families of the bride and groom would take place. These negotiations involved discussions about dowry, bride price, and other financial arrangements. The families would also consider social status, occupation, and reputation when finalizing the agreement.

3. Engagement:
After the negotiations were successfully completed, the couple would become officially engaged. This often involved the exchange of gifts and the signing of a marriage contract. The engagement period allowed the couple to get to know each other better before the wedding.

4. Pre-Wedding Rituals:
In the days leading up to the wedding, various pre-wedding rituals and ceremonies were performed. These included purification rituals, where the bride and groom would be cleansed and prepared for the wedding day. Other rituals, such as the henna ceremony, may have also been part of the pre-wedding traditions.

5. Wedding Ceremony:
The wedding ceremony itself was a grand affair, typically held at the bride's house. The ceremony was officiated by a priest and involved the exchange of vows and rings. Family members and friends would gather to witness the union and bless the couple. Music, dance, and feasting were common features of the wedding celebration.

6. Post-Wedding Customs:
After the wedding, the couple would embark on their new life together. They would often move in with the groom's family and begin their married life. Post-wedding customs, such as the bride's departure from her parental home and the welcoming of the bride into her new household, were also observed.

Overall, the procedure of marriages in the city of Ur involved matchmaking, negotiations, engagement, pre-wedding rituals, the wedding ceremony itself, and post-wedding customs. These customs and traditions played a significant role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of ancient Mesopotamian society.