 A reference to the Consolatio made by the Christian theologian Jerome in a consolation letter to Heliodorus of Altino concerning the death of St. Nepotian suggests that the work was heavily based on the Greek philosopher Crantor 's ancient work De Luctu ( " On Grief " ) . Paul MacKendrick argues that the general outline for the Consolatio can be deduced based both on the structure used by Servius Sulpicius Rufus in a consolation letter sent to Cicero following Tullia 's death , as well as the structure of Cicero 's reply . From what little remains of the work , it would appear that the piece was addressed to Cicero himself . A novel part of the Consolatio seems to be Cicero 's idea that Tullia deserves to be deified into a god . Cicero notes that , in order for his plan to work , her assent must both be recognized by the gods , as well as the Roman public . In order to win over the public , he concludes that he will build Tullia a shrine . 
