Career
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 History 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).
