Bequest

What is a Bequest in Roman Law?

Quick Definition

A bequest in Roman law is a gift of property made through a will (testamentum) to a named beneficiary. It allows the testator to transfer specific items or sums of money to individuals who may or may not be heirs. Bequests are generally enforced through formal legal mechanisms, depending on how the will is structured.

In Context

Bequests often appear in Roman succession cases where a testator leaves particular assets to friends, freedmen, or institutions rather than distributing everything to heirs. Unlike inheritance (hereditas), which transfers the estate as a whole, bequests focus on individual items, such as land, slaves, or money. In exam scenarios, disputes may arise where the wording of the will is unclear or where a bequest conflicts with the rights of the appointed heir. Roman law developed strict rules to interpret wills, ensuring the testator’s intentions were followed as closely as possible.

See Also

• Testament (Will)

• Inheritance (Hereditas)

• Heir (Heres)

Learn More

Explore our Roman Law Notes for deeper case law, examples, and revision tips.