Sibling Rivalry: Caracalla vs. Geta in Roman Empire (+ 10 more historical events on this day!)

A Daily Dose of History (04 Feb 2026) Today's historical events: Following the death of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus at Eboracum (modern York, England) while preparing to lead a campaign against the Caledonians, the empire is left in the control of his two quarrelling sons, Caracalla and Geta, whom he had instructed to make peace. The coronation of Zhao Kuangyin as Emperor Taizu of Song, initiating the Song dynasty period of China that would last more than three centuries. A strong earthquake strikes the Ionian coast of Sicily, causing tens of thousands of injuries and deaths, especially in Catania. Thirteen Years' War: The Secret Council of the Prussian Confederation sends a formal act of disobedience to the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, sparking the Thirteen Years' War. John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England. In Edo (now Tokyo), all but one of the Forty-seven Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's death. The city of Macapá in Brazil is founded by Sebastião Veiga Cabral. George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College. The French legislature abolishes slavery throughout all territories of the French First Republic. It would be reestablished in the French West Indies in 1802. The Riobamba earthquake strikes Ecuador, causing up to 40,000 casualties. John Marshall is sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States. Information from this episode are sourced from API Ninjas Explanations from OpenAI ChatGPT API with proprietary prompts. This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices