Legal Definitions - hypobolum

A hypobolum is a term from historical civil law systems, referring to a specific legacy or gift that a husband designated for his wife in his will. This gift was intended to be received by her upon his death and was explicitly provided in addition to any dowry she had contributed to the marriage.

In essence, it was an extra provision made by a husband for his widow, ensuring she received assets from his estate beyond what she might already possess from her own family's contribution to the marriage (the dowry).

• Example 1: A wealthy Roman merchant, Gaius, passes away. In his testament, he specifies that his wife, Livia, is to receive a sum of 10,000 sesterces and ownership of a small country villa. Livia had originally brought a substantial dowry of agricultural land into their marriage. The 10,000 sesterces and the villa constitute the hypobolum because they are gifts from Gaius's estate to Livia, given upon his death, and are separate from and in addition to the dowry she already possessed.

• Example 2: A prominent landowner, Marcus, dies, leaving behind his wife, Julia. His will stipulates that Julia is to receive a collection of valuable antique jewelry that had been in his family for generations. Julia's family had provided a significant dowry of urban properties when she married Marcus. The antique jewelry is considered a hypobolum. It is a specific legacy from Marcus to Julia, received after his death, and it supplements her existing assets, distinct from the dowry she brought into the marriage.

• Example 3: Publius, a respected citizen, dies, leaving his wife, Cornelia. His will states that Cornelia is to receive the annual income generated from a particular olive grove, in perpetuity. Cornelia had entered the marriage with a dowry consisting of several slaves and a sum of gold. The right to the annual income from the olive grove is a hypobolum. It is a benefit bestowed upon Cornelia by Publius's will, effective upon his death, and it serves as an additional provision beyond the dowry she contributed to their union.