Probinus was raised with his brother Olybrius in Rome, where he was born.[2] He and his brother Olybrius shared the consulate in 395, while both were very young;[3]Claudian dedicated Panegyricus de consulatu Probini et Olybrii to the brothers on this occasion. Although they belonged to a traditionally pagan senatorial family, Olybrius and Probinus were Christians.
Arusianus Messius dedicated his Exempla elocutionem to both brothers, and Symmachus addressed a letter to both in 397 (Epistles, v). It is known that Probinus composed verses.