Detail of page from the Chronology of Ancient Nations by Al-Biruni. Central image depicts the birth of Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, via a primitive form of Caesarean Section. According to Al-Biruni, he was delivered by this method after his mother died during labour. In the centre of the image, a doctor removes the infant head-first from an incision in Atia Balba's abdomen, while three other figures look on from the side.