This blog series will examine wills throughout history, from the ancient world to modern celebrities. Whenever possible, I will provide access to the original will or a translation of the will, along with commentary about its historical significance, legal impact, and estate planning lessons.
Wills are often viewed as private legal documents—a means of distributing property after death and providing instructions for loved ones. Yet throughout history, some wills have done far more than that. Certain wills have altered the course of nations, created fortunes, sparked bitter litigation, inspired charitable institutions, and revealed surprising details about the lives of some of history’s most famous figures.
The last wills and testaments of emperors, kings, presidents, authors, inventors, business leaders, and celebrities provide a fascinating glimpse into both the law and the human condition. Through these documents, we can see how individuals chose to distribute their wealth, reward loyalty, provide for family members, support charitable causes, and sometimes settle old scores. We can also learn valuable estate planning lessons, including common mistakes to avoid and techniques that may be useful in planning our own estates.
Even when a will does not change the course of history, it can still be fascinating. The wills of celebrities offer a unique opportunity to see how people we have known through movies, music, politics, sports, literature, and other forms of media chose to dispose of their property and provide for those they left behind.
In some cases, a will had consequences far beyond the deceased person’s family. Julius Caesar’s will helped pave the way for the Roman Empire. Alfred Nobel’s will created the Nobel Prize. Benjamin Franklin’s will established trusts that lasted for centuries. Other wills, such as those of Shakespeare, Napoleon, George Washington, and Paul Revere, continue to be studied by historians today.
This series will explore some of the most interesting wills ever written, examining not only the stories behind them but also the legal principles they illustrate. Although many of these individuals lived centuries ago, the issues they faced—family relationships, inheritance disputes, charitable giving, taxes, trusts, and succession planning—remain remarkably relevant today.
