Tullia Ciceronis - History

History

What is known of Tullia's life is from Plutarch's account of Cicero and the letters that Cicero wrote to others, particularly to her mother and to his friend, Roman equestrian Titus Pomponius Atticus. While growing up, Tullia had an interesting home life.

Tullia in 66 BC was betrothed to Gaius Calpurnius Piso Frugi (quaestor of 58 BC); she married him in 63 BC, but Piso died in 57 BC.

In 56 BC, Tullia was betrothed to and married Furius Crassipes. Although they had a happy marriage, they divorced in 51 BC for unknown reasons.

During the Roman Civil War, Tullia visited her father at Brundisium. Terentia failed to provide Tullia a proper escort or sufficient money for her expenses.

In the summer of 50 BC, Tullia married Publius Cornelius Dolabella, consul of 44 BC. They had an unhappy marriage. She bore him two sons. The first was born on 19 May 49 BC and died the same year.

Tullia and Dolabella divorced in November 46 BC. In February 45 BC, Tullia died at Dolabella’s house the month after giving birth to her second son (who survived).

Cicero was stricken by grief when Tullia died. His friends and political peers tried to comfort him and sent him letters of condolence, some of which have survived. His grief led him to divorce his second wife Pubilia, who had been jealous of Tullia and showed little sympathy over her death.