The Notorious Carbo: A Killer in the Shadow of Ancient Rome

Gaius Papirius Carbo, known as Carbo ("Coal") due to his dark complexion, was a prominent Roman general and politician who lived during the tumultuous final decades of the Roman Republic. He played a pivotal role in the civil wars that ravaged the republic, and his actions during the Social War and the Sulla's Civil War earned him a reputation for brutality and ruthlessness.

Killer of Rome (Carbo of Rome Book 3)

by Alex Gough

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4228 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

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Early Life and Career

Carbo was born around 160 BC to a plebeian family of modest means. He began his military career as a junior officer under the command of his uncle, the consul Gaius Papirius Carbo, who was killed at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. Carbo fought bravely in this battle, and his bravery earned him the recognition of his superiors.

After the end of the Second Punic War, Carbo continued to serve in the Roman army, rising through the ranks. He gained valuable experience in various campaigns, including the Third Macedonian War and the Third Punic War. He also held several political offices, including tribune of the plebs and praetor.

The Social War and the Rise of Carbo

In 91 BC, the Social War broke out, pitting the Romans against their Italian allies who demanded Roman citizenship. Carbo was appointed as one of the Roman consuls for that year and was given command of an army to fight the rebels. Carbo proved to be a skilled and ruthless general, leading his army to several victories. However, his brutality and lack of mercy towards his enemies alienated many of the Italian allies, who had initially welcomed him as a liberator.

The Sulla's Civil War and Carbo's Downfall

In 88 BC, a new civil war erupted in Rome between the supporters of the populares (popular party) and the optimates (aristocratic party). Carbo sided with the populares, who were led by the ambitious general Gaius Marius. Carbo fought against the optimates, led by Lucius Cornelius Sulla, in the Battle of Sacriportus, where he suffered a heavy defeat. Marius and Carbo were forced to flee Rome, and Sulla became the dictator of the Roman Republic.

Carbo fled to Sicily, where he gathered an army to continue the fight against Sulla. He captured several cities and won several victories, but his forces were eventually defeated by Sulla's generals. Carbo fled to Africa, where he sought refuge with the Numidian king Hiempsal II. However, he was betrayed by Hiempsal and handed over to Sulla's forces.

Death and Legacy

Carbo was executed by Sulla's orders in 82 BC. His head was displayed on the rostra in the Roman Forum, a grim reminder of the brutality of the civil wars that had torn apart the republic. Carbo's reputation as a ruthless and ambitious general was cemented by his actions during the Social War and the Sulla's Civil War. He became a symbol of the violence and political instability that characterized the late Roman Republic.

Carbo's career offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and political violence. His ruthlessness and brutality alienated his allies and ultimately led to his downfall. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of moderation and consensus in a free and democratic society.

Gaius Papirius Carbo was a complex and controversial figure who played a significant role in the tumultuous final decades of the Roman Republic. His military prowess and political ambition made him a formidable force in the civil wars that ravaged the republic. However, his brutality and lack of mercy alienated his allies and ultimately led to his downfall. Carbo's career offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and political violence, and his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of moderation and consensus in a free and democratic society.

Killer of Rome (Carbo of Rome Book 3)

by Alex Gough

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4228 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

FREE