Primary sourceDocument10 December 1830
Will of Simón Bolívar
Simón Bolívar · 10 December 1830
Bolívar's testament, dictated in December 1830 shortly before his death, listing his property, wishes and bequests.
Bolívar's own testament, dictated days before his death, recording his wishes and diminished fortune.
About this source
What it is
This is the last will and testament of Simón Bolívar, dictated in Santa Marta on 10 December 1830, while he was gravely ill. It records his legal declarations, his religious faith, and his wishes concerning his property and remains.
Why it matters
Written just days before his death, the will shows how far Bolívar's personal fortune had shrunk despite his immense political power, and reveals his personal religious beliefs and final wishes, including instructions about his remains being returned to Caracas.
Look closer
- What does the document's opening, invoking God and the Catholic Church, tell us about Bolívar's beliefs and the culture of his time?
- Why might a powerful military and political leader have had a reduced personal fortune at the end of his life?
- What can a will reveal about a person's priorities that a speech or letter might not?
This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Simón Bolívar on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Simón Bolívar sources
Meet the AI Simón Bolívar →
LetterPrimary source
Carta de Jamaica
Simón Bolívar · 1815
PaintingSecondary source
Portrait of Bolívar (Leipzig engraving)
Primary source
Speech of Angostura
Simón Bolívar · 15 February 1819
PaintingSecondary source
Steel Engraved Portrait of Bolívar by W. Holl after M.N. Bate
William Holl II · 1853
DocumentPrimary source
Decree of War to the Death
Simón Bolívar · 15 June 1813
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Simón Bolívar now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.