Epostbilhliðar

Epostbilhliðar is a term that appears in historical Icelandic texts, primarily related to legal and administrative matters. It can be translated roughly as "post-bill of sale" or "after-bill of sale." The concept refers to a document or declaration made after an initial transaction, specifically concerning the sale of property or goods.

This post-bill of sale served a crucial purpose in validating and recording a transfer of ownership. It was often used to confirm that a sale had indeed taken place and that the buyer now held legitimate rights to the item. In a society where written records were less common and formal legal frameworks were developing, such documents provided a degree of certainty and evidence.

The reasons for issuing an epostbilhliðar could vary. It might have been to clarify terms not fully detailed in an initial agreement, to provide proof of sale for tax purposes, or to settle disputes that might arise later. The practice suggests a layered approach to documenting transactions, with an initial agreement followed by a confirming or supplementary document. Understanding epostbilhliðar offers insight into the legal and economic practices of medieval Iceland, highlighting the importance of documented evidence in establishing ownership and resolving disputes.