He was born and raised in Leptis Magna (southeast of Carthage, modern Libya, North Africa).
Geta was appointed one of the decemviri stlitibus judicandis, which in part involved judging lawsuits.
After this Geta was commissioned a tribunus laticlavius with the Legio II Augusta, at the time stationed in Roman Britain.
Geta in 185 became legatus legionis or commander of Legio I Italica and afterwards a Proconsul of Sicily around 187/8.
[5] When Severus was proclaimed emperor in 193, Geta led the legions to Carnuntum, where his brother was, to show his support.