Legal Definitions - aedificare

Aedificare is a Latin term originating from Roman law. It refers to the act of constructing, building, or erecting a structure, typically a building.

In essence, it describes the physical process of putting up a new edifice or making significant additions to an existing one.

• Example 1: A wealthy Roman citizen, Gaius, purchases a plot of land outside the city and commissions a team of architects and laborers to construct a new country villa for his family. This undertaking, from laying the foundation to raising the walls and roof, would be considered an act of aedificare.

  Explanation: This example directly illustrates aedificare because it involves the complete construction of a new residential building from its inception.

• Example 2: During a period of urban development in a Roman city, the local magistrate approves a project to build a new public market hall to accommodate growing trade. The subsequent work of clearing the site, bringing in materials, and assembling the structure constitutes aedificare.

  Explanation: Here, aedificare applies to the erection of a new public utility building, emphasizing its use in civic construction projects.

• Example 3: A Roman landowner decides to expand his agricultural operations by adding a large new granary to his estate to store harvested crops. He hires skilled builders to design and construct this new storage facility. The entire process of putting up this new structure is an instance of aedificare.

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates aedificare in the context of constructing a functional building for agricultural or commercial purposes, highlighting its broad application to various types of structures.