Legal Definitions - quaestor

A quaestor is a type of magistrate in ancient Rome who was responsible for managing and administering public funds. They were subordinate to the consuls or provincial governors and performed various tasks such as making payments, receiving revenues, keeping accurate accounts, and financing burials and monuments of distinguished citizens.

For example, if a foreign ambassador needed accommodation, it was the quaestor's responsibility to supervise and ensure that their needs were met. Additionally, if a citizen of Rome passed away, the quaestor would finance their burial and monument if they were deemed distinguished.

The office of quaestor dates back to the beginning of the Roman Republic, and each year two quaestors were nominated by the consuls and later elected by the comitia tributa. As their numbers increased, so did their responsibilities.

It's important to note that the term "quaestor" was also used in later history to refer to an agent of the Pope who carried out certain tasks, such as collecting donations from door to door.