Tullia (c. 79–45 bce)

Roman noblewoman. Born around 79 bce; died in childbirth in 45 bce; daughter of Terentia and Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–40 bce), Roman orator and consul; married Calpurnius Piso; married second husband; married third husband Publius Cornelius Dolabella (consul, 44 bce), in 50 bce.

Born around 79 bce, Tullia was the beloved daughter of Terentia and the noted orator and consul Cicero. When Tullia was around 12, her father arranged her first marriage, to Calpurnius Piso. A second marriage was also orchestrated by Cicero. However, in 50 bce, under the auspices of her spirited mother, Tullia married the charming but dissolute Dolabella while Cicero was away. Though the marriage was legal, upon his return Cicero contemplated withholding dowry installments; instead, Dolabella reaped the political advancement he was after, serving as legate to Julius Caesar in the Civil War and becoming Roman consul in 44 bce.

Terentia (fl. 69–45 bce)

Roman noblewoman. Flourished around 69 to 45 bce; married Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–40 bce), Roman orator and consul, in 76 bce (divorced 45 bce); children: Tullia (c. 79–45 bce); Marcus.

In 46, Cicero divorced Terentia, his wife of 30 years, allegedly for her disloyalty during the war of 49–48 bce. Subsequently, he married the young and rich Publilia , whom he soon divorced (45) for her lack of sympathy over the passing of Tullia who died in childbirth. This tragedy devastated Cicero, as we know from the poignant letters (still extant) written shortly after his daughter's death.