Legal Definitions - lucra nuptialia

Lucra nuptialia is a Latin term from Roman law that refers to any property or assets one spouse receives from the other, or that are transferred between them, specifically in connection with their marriage. This can include direct gifts given during the marriage, assets provided as part of the marriage agreement (such as a dowry), or even property inherited from a deceased spouse through a will.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A Wedding Gift of Land

  During the time of their engagement, a wealthy Roman man promised his future wife a villa and a vineyard as a special gift upon their marriage. After their wedding ceremony, he legally transferred the ownership of these properties to her. This transfer of the villa and vineyard from the husband to the wife, made in connection with their marriage, would be considered lucra nuptialia.

• Example 2: A Dowry Arrangement

  A prominent Roman family arranged for their daughter to marry into another influential family. As part of the marriage contract, the bride's father provided a substantial sum of money and several enslaved persons to the groom, intended to support the new household and the wife's status within it. This property, received by the husband (or managed for the wife's benefit) as part of the marriage agreement, represents lucra nuptialia.

• Example 3: Inheritance Through a Will

  A Roman senator passed away, and in his will, he bequeathed a significant portion of his personal fortune, including several valuable artworks and a country estate, directly to his surviving wife. This inheritance, received by the wife from her deceased husband through his testamentary disposition, falls under the category of lucra nuptialia because it is property transferred between spouses.