Legal Definitions - pecunia

Pecunia is a historical legal term derived from Latin, referring broadly to wealth or valuable assets. It encompasses both actual currency (money) and other forms of valuable property, such as land, buildings, or personal belongings.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of pecunia:

• Imagine a wealthy Roman senator in the 1st century AD who decided to fund the construction of a new public bathhouse. The gold and silver coins he provided for the project, used to pay laborers and purchase materials, would historically be referred to as pecunia. This example highlights pecunia in its most direct sense as actual money or currency.

• Consider a legal dispute in ancient Rome where a family was dividing an inheritance. The deceased's estate included a vineyard, several slaves, and a collection of valuable pottery. All these items—the real estate, the human property, and the personal goods—would collectively be considered pecunia, representing the full scope of the inherited wealth and assets.

• During a historical transaction where a Roman citizen pledged his valuable jewelry and a small plot of land as collateral for a loan, these assets would be understood as his pecunia. This demonstrates how the term encompassed not just liquid funds but also tangible property used to secure financial obligations.