Caracalla & Geta: The Real Emperors of Gladiator II
Nov 14, 2024
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In this discussion, historian Alex Imrie from the University of Edinburgh sheds light on the notorious Roman emperors Caracalla and Geta. Their story is one of brutal family rivalry and betrayal, culminating in a shocking murder before their mother. Imrie explores the disturbing dynamics between the brothers, their contrasting public images, and the impact of their lives on the Severan dynasty. The conversation also touches on how Hollywood's depiction of these figures in Gladiator II differs from the grim realities of their reign.
Caracalla and Geta's opulent upbringing fostered fierce sibling rivalry rather than unity, ultimately complicating their political ambitions as co-emperors.
Despite their father's hopes for harmony, imperial propaganda masked the brothers' tumultuous relationship, leading to public spectacles of rivalry and disdain.
The brutal fratricide of Geta by Caracalla symbolized a devastating betrayal and initiated a campaign to erase Geta's legacy from history.
Deep dives
The Rivalry of Caracalla and Geta
Caracalla and Geta, the sons of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, were expected to rule together but were plagued by intense sibling rivalry. Their upbringing was lavish, filled with privilege, allowing them to indulge in luxuries, yet this environment fostered animosity rather than camaraderie. Severus envisioned a united front in his sons as co-emperors, hoping to display harmony following a tumultuous period. Instead, their relationship deteriorated into outright hostility, leading to tensions that would ultimately culminate in tragedy.
The Role of the Severan Family in the Empire
As the sons of Severus, Caracalla and Geta were thrust into the spotlight of power and governance, with their father implementing a family-centric narrative to legitimize their rule. The two young princes were portrayed as harmonious figures through imperial propaganda, which created a deceptive image for public perception. However, behind the scenes, their rivalry fueled chaos, peaking in public spectacles where they openly competed against one another, such as chariot races. This public disdain and competitive nature signified the unraveling of the family unity that Severus aspired to maintain.
Severus' Death and the Power Struggle
The death of Septimius Severus marked a definitive turning point for Caracalla and Geta, plunging them into an intense power struggle. Upon returning to Rome after their father's death, both brothers attempted to assert dominance over the imperial household and quickly distanced themselves from one another. Their divided hearts reflected in a physically partitioned abode as each brother sought to solidify their power base without any collaboration. This mutual distrust escalated into a cold war of suspicion and plotting, where each brother feared assassination at the hands of the other.
The Assassination of Geta
The escalating rivalry reached its peak in a violent conclusion when Caracalla murdered Geta in their mother's presence, establishing one of history's most infamous acts of fratricide. Different historical accounts provide varying details on how the murder unfolded, with some suggesting Caracalla committed the act himself while others indicate he orchestrated it through his bodyguards. In a horrific twist, Geta, believing he could find safety with their mother Julia Domna, was brutally slain, witnessing a devastating betrayal from his own brother. The aftermath of this act solidified Caracalla's ruthless ambition and set the tone for his reign.
Caracalla's Post-Murder Actions
Following Geta's murder, Caracalla engaged in a systematic erasure of his brother's memory, starkly illustrating his desperation to rewrite his narrative as the sole ruler. He implemented a campaign known as Damnatio Memoriae, targeting statues, inscriptions, and coins stamped with Geta's likeness to eliminate any trace of him from the historical record. This extreme measure exemplified not only Caracalla's paranoia but also his commitment to consolidating power in the aftermath of the violent fratricide. Geta’s condemnation marked the shift in the imperial narrative, forcing Caracalla to position himself as the uncontested authority in a fractured empire.
The new Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator II features two of Rome's most villainous emperors - the brothers Caracalla and Geta.
And in today's episode of The Ancients were delving into the real history of these scheming siblings. Their story is a blood-stained and chilling one. It stretches from their opulent upbringing to their tumultuous rivalry and culminates with a brutal murder in front of their very own mother in 211 AD. Joined by Alex Imrie, Tristan explores how much we really know about Caracalla and Geta, their rise to power and their relationship - or perhaps lack of one.
Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Aidan Lonergan. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.
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