Legal Definitions - capitalis terra

capitalis terra is a historical legal term that refers to a piece of land situated prominently in front of, or at the beginning of, other land. This position often implies a strategic importance or a leading role relative to the adjacent or subsequent parcels.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a large medieval estate where a specific plot of land was strategically located at the primary entrance to the manor's main road, just before the road branched off to various fields and tenant dwellings. This plot might have housed a gatehouse or served as the initial checkpoint for anyone entering the estate.

  This plot would be considered capitalis terra because it lies "at the head of" the entire estate's access route, preceding and controlling entry to all other lands within the domain.

• Consider a historical agricultural system where a community's most vital and fertile field was situated at the top of a valley, directly adjacent to the main water source and the primary path leading down to smaller, less productive fields. This top field was always cultivated first and its yield was crucial for the community's sustenance.

  This prominent and essential field serves as the capitalis terra because it lies "at the head of" the sequence of agricultural lands, both geographically and in terms of its importance to the overall farming operation.

• In the historical establishment of a new village or settlement, the very first plot of land cleared and designated for the lord's dwelling or the communal church, from which all other residential and agricultural plots were subsequently laid out and expanded.

  This foundational plot is the capitalis terra as it is "at the head of" the entire settlement's development, serving as the initial and most significant piece of land from which the rest of the community grew.