Quaestor

Q: What are the duties of a quaestor?

Over time, the duties of the quaestor changed a lot. Originating from an office created to prosecute murders, during the Roman Republic quaestors were responsible for administrating public properties, overseeing treasuries, and collecting taxes in the provinces. From the days of Augustus to the time of Justinian, the responsibilities of the quaestor had grown from the caretaker of the treasury to advising the emperor.

Q: Is praetor a higher rank than quaestor?

Yes. Quaestor was the lowest rank in the Roman government. Praetors served as judicial officials, secondary military commanders, and governors in the provinces.

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Quaestor

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Definition

The quaestor ("the one who asks questions") was the oldest and lowest office on the cursus honorum, or "path of honor" in ancient Rome. Considered a stepping stone to higher office in the Roman government, the duties of the quaestor ranged from administrating public properties and overseeing treasuries to collecting taxes and recruiting in the provinces, among other tasks.

More about: Quaestor

Timeline

509 BCE
Quaestors become a prominent position in the Roman Republic.
450 BCE
The number of Roman quaestors is increased to four and made open to plebians.
c. 440 BCE
Roman quaestors are chosen by the assembly rather than the consuls.
c. 21 BCE
Varus is made quaestor.
7 CE
Germanicus is made quaestor.

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