Yes, the concept of marriage predates Christianity by a significant amount of time. Marriage has been a part of human societies for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations and prehistoric times. Various cultures and civilizations around the world had their own forms of marriage practices long before the advent of Christianity.
The exact nature and purpose of marriage have varied across different cultures and historical periods. In some societies, it was primarily an economic or political arrangement between families, designed to strengthen alliances or secure resources. In other cultures, marriage was seen as a way to establish a stable family unit and ensure the continuation of the community.
Marriage has been recognized and regulated through customs, rituals, and legal systems in different ways throughout history. While Christianity has had a significant influence on marriage traditions in Western societies, the concept of marriage existed independently in many other cultures worldwide before the rise of Christianity.
It's essential to recognize that marriage is a cultural and social institution that has evolved and adapted over time, shaped by the beliefs, norms, and values of each society.