patrimony

Patrimony is a term with several related meanings. Etymologically from Latin patrimonium, it denotes what is inherited or inherited property from generations, and more broadly the cultural or collective assets of a family, community, or nation.

In civil-law jurisdictions, patrimony refers to the totality of a person’s rights and obligations—assets and liabilities—that constitute a single economic and legal unit. This patrimony is the basis for civil actions, estate planning, and succession; upon death, the patrimony is transferred to heirs, with creditors’ claims and debts settled as part of the process.

Cultural patrimony refers to movable and immovable heritage—artworks, archaeological finds, monuments, sites, libraries, archives—as well as intangible heritage such as languages, music, and traditional practices. International law, notably UNESCO conventions, seeks to preserve and protect cultural patrimony against illicit trade, looting, and destruction.

In common usage, patrimony can mean family wealth or an inherited estate, but some writers distinguish between an individual's patrimony (assets and debts) and a nation's or culture's patrimony (shared heritage).

The concept features in fields including law, anthropology, archaeology, and heritage management, reflecting how property, identity, and history are transmitted across generations.