Publius Septimius Geta

Publius Septimius Geta (March 7, 189–December 211), was a Roman Emperor co-ruling with his father Septimius Severus and his older brother Caracalla from 209 to his death.

Mythical king of Britain

Geoffrey of Monmouth (a highly un-reliable source for Roman Britain history) claims that Geta was raised to the kingship of the Britons by the Roman legions still occupying York. The Britons, however, rose up Caracalla to the throne because Monmouth states Caracalla was the son of a Briton mother. This contradicts evidence that Geta and Caracalla had the same mother. Regardless, the shared throne was not a success: the brothers argued about every decision, from law to political appointments. Later sources speculate about the desire of the two of splitting the empire in two halves. By the end of the year, the situation was unbearable. Caracalla tried to murder Geta during the festival of Saturnalia without success. Later in December he arranged a meeting with his brother in his mother's apartments, and had him murdered in her arms by centurions.

Related Topics:
Geoffrey of Monmouth - Britons - Saturnalia - Centurion

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