Emperor Geta at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

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This exquisite marble portrait, a testament to Roman artistry, was crafted circa 208 CE and unearthed in Gabiesl; the sitter is Publius Septimius Geta. Geta (March 7 - December 19, 211), a Roman emperor who ruled alongside his father Septimius Severus and older brother Caracalla from 209 until his untimely demise by murder on Caracalla's orders. When Septimius Severus passed away in Eboracum early in 211, Caracalla and Geta were jointly proclaimed emperors and returned to Rome. Their brief co-reign was marked by failure. Later accounts suggested that the brothers intended to divide the empire into two equal halves. By year's end, tensions had reached a boiling point. Caracalla attempted but failed to assassinate Geta during the Saturnalia festival. Ultimately, on December 19, Caracalla orchestrated his mother to arrange a peace meeting with his brother in her apartments, only to have him brutally murdered by centurions while she held him. Scarcely any marble portraits of Geta remain today, likely due to the thorough damnatio memoriae that resulted in the erasure of his images. Nevertheless, Roman coins bearing his likeness are plentiful, and they reflect how Septimius Severus and later Geta himself wanted him perceived by the Roman people and, notably, the Roman military. Images of Geta and his older brother Caracalla cannot be distinctly separated until their father's death. Both sons were intended to be presented as equally suitable heirs to the throne, thus showcasing greater depth within the dynasty. This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit endeavor initiated by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital repository of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have intriguing items nearby and wish to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.