Legitimacy has been a key concept of Western family law for hundreds of years. The test of legitimacy determined who belonged to a family and who did not. In principle, legitimacy entitled children to maintenance and inheritance from both parental sides. Illegitimacy did not unconditionally do so. This article reflects on why legitimacy appeared as a significant part of the ecclesiastical policy and legislation from the mid-twelfth century onwards and why legitimacy could remain an indispensable part of European family law for at least seven hundred years until the second half of the nineteenth century.
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Cf. Genesis 25: 5-6: Abraham's legitimate son Isaac was entitled to inherit his father's property, whereas Abraham's many children by concubines were allotted but limited portions.
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