Source edition
Scriptores Historiae Augustae, Volume 2. Magie, David, editor. London, New York: William Heinemann, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1924.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This historical biography depicts the short life and tragic end of Geta, the co-emperor of Rome and second son of Emperor Septimius Severus. The narrative begins by detailing how his father bestowed the prestigious name "Antoninus" upon Geta, alongside various ominous portents that foreshadowed his untimely death. It then introduces personal anecdotes from Geta's childhood and youth, highlighting his excellent qualities and unique habits. However, after ascending to power as co-emperor, Geta met a violent end when he was assassinated by his elder brother Caracalla. The latter part of the work describes the reign of terror that ensued following the assassination, as well as the ironic posthumous deification of Geta by Caracalla, leaving a vivid account of the brutal struggle for imperial power.