Legal Definitions - matertera major

The term matertera major originates from Roman law and refers to a specific, distant familial relationship: a great-great-aunt. More precisely, it designates the sister of one's great-grandmother. This term helps to identify a maternal relative who is two generations removed from a great-aunt.

• Example 1: Genealogical Research
  A woman named Emily is meticulously tracing her family tree. She successfully identifies her great-grandmother, Clara. Through further historical records, Emily discovers that Clara had an older sister named Margaret who lived a long life but had no children of her own. In this scenario, Margaret would be Emily's matertera major.

  Explanation: Margaret is the sister of Emily's great-grandmother (Clara), which precisely matches the definition of a matertera major. This illustrates how the term defines a specific link in a multi-generational family lineage.

• Example 2: Historical Roman Inheritance Context
  Imagine a Roman citizen, Marcus, living in the 1st century AD. His great-grandmother, Livia, had a sister named Octavia. While Roman inheritance laws were complex and typically favored closer relatives, in very specific and rare circumstances—such as the complete absence of direct heirs—a distant relative like Octavia (Marcus's matertera major) might have been considered in a legal dispute over property or status, highlighting the precise classification of such a relationship within the legal framework of the time.

  Explanation: Octavia is the sister of Marcus's great-grandmother (Livia), making her his matertera major. This example places the term within its original historical and legal context, demonstrating its use in defining a specific familial connection that could, however remotely, have legal implications.

• Example 3: Mapping Complex Family Structures
  During a large family reunion, a family historian is creating a detailed chart to show all relationships. If young David's great-grandmother, Sophia, had a sister named Elena, then Elena would be identified as David's matertera major on the chart. This specific designation helps to clearly articulate Elena's exact relationship to David, distinguishing her from other great-aunts or more distant relatives.

  Explanation: Elena is the sister of David's great-grandmother (Sophia), which directly aligns with the definition of a matertera major. This scenario demonstrates how the term provides a precise label for a particular distant maternal relative within a complex family structure.