A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

a Roman lady of the time of Cicero, who was distinguished for her acquirements and a great love of philosophical pursuits. She was connected with Cicero by friendship, and studied his philosophical writings with great zeal. She was a woman of considerable property, and had large possessions in Asia. These estates, and their procuratores were strongly recommended, in B. C. 46, by Cicero (Cic. Fam. 13.72) to the care of P. Servilius. Cicero, in his recommendatory letter, speaks of her as an intimate friend, though, on other occasions, he seems to be rather inclined to sneer at her. (Ad. Att. 12.51, 13.21, 22, 14.19, 15.1, 26.) Q. Fufius Calenus charges Cicero with having, in his old age, had an adulterous connexion with Caerellia. (Dio Cass 46.18.) How far this charge may be true, it is not easy to say ; the only facts which are attested beyond a doubt

are, that Cicero was intimate with her during the latter period of his life, and that letters of his addressed to her were extant in the days of Quintilian. (6.3.112.) The charge of Calenus would acquire some additional weight, if it were certain that in the 13th Idyll of Ausonius the name Cicero has dropped out before the words in praeceptis omnibus exstare severitatem, in epistolis ad Caerelliam subesse petulantiam.

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