Why the history of surveillance is rooted in fear, profit, and personal advancement
In short: Surveillance is not merely a modern technological phenomenon but an ancient human strategy. By examining historical systems of denunciation and intelligence gathering, we reveal how the impulse to watch others has evolved from primitive survival tactics to complex political tools used for control, profit, and self-preservation throughout human history.
The evolution of surveillance is tied to our shifting perceptions of threat. As humanity moved beyond the dangers posed by wild animals, we turned our attention toward one another. This transition birthed a desire to gather intelligence on perceived enemies, a practice designed to provide an advantage through forewarning. While modern technology has refined our ability to keep a close watch, the underlying motivations—securing territory, protecting livelihoods, and maintaining power—remain deeply rooted in our past.
In Ancient Rome, the absence of public prosecutors created a unique environment for surveillance. Individuals known as delatores, or informers, could bring criminal charges against others, often motivated by the prospect of personal gain. Under Roman law, successful accusers were entitled to a portion of the accused’s property. This financial incentive encouraged citizens to move from reporting casual observations to proactively gathering intelligence. During the reign of Augustus, this system expanded to include prosecutions for adultery and perceived threats to the majesty of the Emperor.
The political utility of surveillance became even more pronounced under later emperors. By the time of Nero, who reigned from 54 to 68 CE, the definition of treason was so broad that almost any word or action could be grounds for prosecution. In this climate, denunciation became a tool for self-protection; by accusing others, individuals could demonstrate loyalty to the regime and reduce their own risk. By the second century CE, the satirist Juvenal described a Rome where informers were so pervasive that even the most notorious among them lived in fear, and simple acts—like catching a large fish—could trigger accusations of treason.
Literature, such as Charles Dickens’ 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities, captures the enduring psychological impact of these systems. Through characters like Madame Defarge, who encoded the names of the condemned into her knitting, Dickens illustrates how surveillance functions as both a tool of state control and a mechanism for personal vengeance. These historical examples demonstrate that surveillance is rarely just about public interest; it is frequently driven by secrecy, transparency tensions, and the complex, often dark, motivations of those who hold the power to watch.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How Does Surveillance Work? - Victoria Baines
- Also: How Surveillance Works
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