# Papirius Cursor — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Papirius Cursor in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Papirius

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Roman dictator known for his harsh discipline and military success.

## In the story

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiv)

Consul who fought the Samnites; he manipulated the auspices to justify battle and punished the soothsayer for lying, ensuring the army's confidence.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xv)

Roman commander who leads the army against the Samnites and reassures his soldiers before battle.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxi)

Sought to have Fabius put to death for fighting against orders.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ii)

Referenced as the consul under whom the Samnites finally succumbed after 46 years of resistance.

### [Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i)

Noted for his prosecution of the master of the knights, an example of legal enforcement.

### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Quoted for his denunciation of disobedience in the army, urging punishment for Fabius.

### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvii)

Nominated as dictator to replace the wounded Manlius, despite being an enemy of Fabius.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/papirius_cursor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters