The Birth of Caesar and the Cesarean Misnomer

ABSTRACT

Although cesarean section is one of the most ancient surgical procedures, the origin of its name remains obscure. The term, however, did not originate because of the birth of the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar through this route. In fact, historians are certain that Julius Caesar was not delivered by the dangerous cesarean section. The evidence for this comes from indirect inferences. Cesarean sections were rarely attempted on living women until the early 17th century, and Julius Caesar's mother was alive and well through her son's adult life. Two other possible reasons for the origin of the term are discussed in this article. Mention is also made of the cesarean birth histories of some mythological characters and a few historical personalities.

KEYWORDS

Cesarean birth - history of medicine - history of obstetrics - Julius Caesar - Ulysses Grant

REFERENCES

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