Gnaeus Papirius Carbo was a Roman military general and politician in 113 BC, together with Gaius Caecilius Metellus Caprarius.
During his consulship, he was ordered by the Senate to take legions to defend the Alps from the migration of the Cimbri.
At the ensuing Battle of Noreia, although Carbo held the advantage in terrain and surprise, his forces were overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of Cimbrian warriors,[2] and disastrously defeated.
[3] The Cimbri, while smashing the Roman army, did not advance into Italy, seemingly looking for some place to settle.
[4] Securing a conviction, Carbo committed suicide to redeem his pride and honour rather than depart for exile,[5] taking a solution of vitriol (atramentum sutorium, Cic., ad Fam.