Legal Definitions - matertera magna

matertera magna

In Roman law, matertera magna refers to a great-aunt, specifically identifying the sister of one's grandmother. This term precisely defines a particular familial relationship within a lineage.

• Family Tree Documentation: When compiling a detailed family tree, a genealogist might note that their grandmother, Eleanor, had a sister named Margaret. In the context of Roman legal terminology, Margaret would be considered the genealogist's matertera magna, as she is the sister of their grandmother.

  This example illustrates the term by showing how a direct relative—the sister of one's grandmother—fits the precise definition of a matertera magna within a family structure.

• Historical Legal Context: Imagine a scholar studying ancient Roman inheritance laws. They might encounter a will or legal document that refers to a beneficiary as the testator's matertera magna. This would immediately inform the scholar that the beneficiary is the sister of the testator's grandmother, clarifying their relationship and potential claim under Roman legal principles.

  Here, the term clarifies a specific familial connection in a historical legal document, demonstrating its use in defining relationships for legal purposes like inheritance.

• Personal Family History: Sarah is sharing stories about her extended family. She mentions her grandmother, Clara, often spoke fondly of her older sister, Aunt Beatrice, who lived in a different country. For Sarah, Aunt Beatrice is her matertera magna because she is her grandmother Clara's sister, making her a great-aunt on her maternal side.

  This scenario highlights the term's application in everyday family relationships, identifying a specific great-aunt through the direct link to one's grandmother.