Gnaeus Papirius Carbo (consul 113 BC)

Gnaeus Papirius Carbo, son of Gaius Papirius Carbo, was Roman consul in 113 BC, together with Gaius Caecilius Metellus Caprarius.

He was according to Cicero (ad Fam. ix. 21) the father of Gnaeus Papirius Carbo, who was thrice consul, whereas this latter is called by Velleius Paterculus (II 26) a brother of Gaius Papirius Carbo Arvina. This difficulty may be solved by supposing that the word frater in Velleius is equivalent to frater patruelis or cousin. (Perizon., Animadv. Hist. p. 96.) In his consulship the Cimbri advanced from Gaul into Italy and Illyricum, and Carbo, who was sent against them, was put to flight with his whole army. He was afterwards accused by Marcus Antonius Orator, we know not for what reason, and put an end to his own life by taking a solution of vitriol (atramentum sutorium, Cic., ad Fam. IX 21; Liv., Epit. 63.).