Political Bedfellows: Tullia, Dolabella, and Caelius

Cicero's letters from 51-50 B.C.E. show that Tullia was not swept off her feet by P. Cornelius Dolabella (Tatum 1999.242) but chose her third husband rationally as political insurance in uncertain times. By analyzing the chronological pattern of the letters, Tullia's awareness of past political events, including the uncertain status of her mother during her father's exile, and the involvement of M. Caelius Rufus as a friend of Dolabella and of Cicero's family, the political background of this engagement is highlighted. This assessment challenges the traditional view of Tullia's motivation in her last marriage.