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
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