[BenLurkin]

Historically speaking, most cultures have traces of marriage as based in capture, and presumably rape of the abductee.

Most culutres require a dowry. Odd sort of rape that.

[Restorer]

Historically speaking, "marriage by capture" tended to precede "marriage by purchase," the dowry system you mention.

Dowry probably grew out of the realization that it was easier to pay the woman's family than fight them. :)