Publius Cornelius Dolabella (consul 44 BC) facts for kids

Publius Cornelius Dolabella (born around 85/69 BC – died 43 BC) was an important Roman politician and general. He served under the famous leader Julius Caesar. Dolabella was born into a noble family called the patrician Cornelii Dolabellae. However, he chose to be adopted into a common family, the plebeian Cornelii Lentuli. This allowed him to become a plebeian tribune, a powerful position for common people. He married Cicero's daughter, Tullia.

Biography

Early life and family

Publius Cornelius Dolabella's father was likely Publius Cornelius Dolabella. His father was a Roman official called a praetor in 69 BC. Dolabella was also related to the Servilii Caepiones family. We are not sure exactly when Dolabella was born.

Military and political journey

During the Civil Wars (49–45 BC), Dolabella first supported Pompey. But he later switched sides and joined Julius Caesar. He was with Caesar when Caesar won the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC.

To become a tribune of the plebs, Dolabella needed to be a plebeian. So, he was adopted by a plebeian family. We don't know for sure who adopted him. It was likely someone who supported Caesar.

As a tribune in 47 BC, Dolabella tried to change some laws. One of his ideas was to cancel all debts. This would have helped him with his own money problems. He tried to get Mark Antony to support him. But other tribunes told Antony not to. This led to some disagreements in Rome. When Caesar returned, he sent Dolabella away from Rome. Caesar took him as a general on his trips to Africa and Spain.

After Caesar came back to Rome, he wanted Dolabella to become a consul. But Mark Antony protested, saying the omens were bad. Caesar eventually gave up on making Dolabella consul at that time.

When Caesar died in 44 BC, Dolabella quickly took the consul's symbols. He made friends with Brutus and the other people who killed Caesar. This helped him be confirmed as consul. But when Mark Antony offered him a military command and control of Syria, Dolabella changed his mind. He quickly switched to Antony's side. On his way to Syria, Dolabella caused a lot of trouble. He was declared an enemy of the state.

Cassius then attacked Dolabella in Laodicea. When Cassius's soldiers captured the city in 43 BC, Dolabella ordered one of his own soldiers to kill him.

Marriages and children

Dolabella was married to a woman named Fabia. They had a son who might have been Publius Cornelius Dolabella, who later became a consul in 35 BC. Dolabella also married Cicero's daughter, Tullia, in 50 BC. They had a son who died shortly after birth. Tullia divorced Dolabella in 45 BC. She later had another son, named Lentulus, at her father's house. This boy is thought to have died young too.

Cultural depictions

Stage

Dolabella appears as a character in some plays. These versions of him are often not exactly like the real person. They combine parts of several ancient Roman figures.

Literature

He is also a character in the novel The Bloodied Toga by William George Hardy. Dolabella is also a supporting character in the Masters of Rome book series by Colleen McCullough.

See also

In Spanish: Publio Cornelio Dolabela para niños

• Cornelia gens