DELATOR, in Rome, one who gave notice (deferre) to the treasury officials of moneys due to the imperial fiscus (see AERARIUM). This meaning was extended to those who lodged information as to punishable offences, and further, to those who brought a public accusation against any person. Although the word delator ("common informer") is confined to imperial times, the right of public accusation had long been in existence. When exercised from patriotic motives its effects were beneficial, but when rewards were introduced this was no longer the case. Cicero expresses his opinion that such accusations should be under taken only in the interests of the State or for other urgent reasons. Under the empire the system degenerated into an abuse, which reached its height during the reign of Tiberius.
Delatores were drawn from all classes of society. The objects of their attacks were the wealthy, all possible rivals of the emperor, and those whose conduct implied a reproach against the imperial mode of life. Special opportunities were afforded by the law of maiestas (treason) which (originally directed against at tacks on the ruler by word or deed) was made to cover all kindsof irrelevant accusations. The chief motive for these accu sations was no doubt the desire of amassing wealth, since by the law of maiestas one-fourth of the goods of the accused was assured to the accuser (who was hence called quadruplator). Pliny and Martial mention instances of enormous fortunes amassed by those who carried on this hateful calling. But it was not without its dangers. If the delator lost his case he was liable to the same penalties as the accused; he was exposed to the risk of vengeance at the hands of the proscribed, or of their rela tives; while emperors like Tiberius had no scruples about putting out of the way those creatures for whom they had no further use. Under the better emperors severe penalties were inflicted upon the delatores. Titus drove into exile or reduced to slavery those who had served Nero, after they had been flogged in the amphi theatre. The abuse reappeared under Domitian; they were again banished by Trajan, and threatened with capital punishment in an edict of Constantine.
See J. E. B. Mayor's note on Juvenal iv. 48 for ancient authorities; also J. E. Sandys, Companion to Latin Studies (1920, with useful bibliography.