In ancient Greece and Rome, romantic love was often viewed as a fleeting infatuation, with marriage and relationships being more about social status, family alliances, and economic security. The concept of courtly love, popularized during the Middle Ages, emphasized chivalry, honor, and devotion, setting the stage for modern Western notions of romance. For instance, the legend of King Arthur and Guinevere's love story exemplifies the chivalric code, where loyalty, honor, and courtly love were deeply intertwined.
