In 9 AD, Emperor Augustus enacted the Lex Papia Poppaea, a law aimed at strengthening the institution of marriage and encouraging childbearing among the Roman upper classes. This legislation provided incentives for marriage and penalized those who remained single, reflecting the social and political priorities of the time. The law underscores the Roman state's interest in promoting family structures to ensure stability and continuity within society.

The enactment of Lex Papia Poppaea by Augustus directly impacted Latin love elegists, such as Ovid, who navigated the societal pressures of marriage and romance. Their poetry often celebrated non-conformity and the complexities of love in a restrictive cultural landscape.