Flirting in Space

Short Introduction:

In creating this space for my writing, I intended for it to be an outlet for my fiction, takes on subjects of interest and philosophical discussion. This changed when I had an idea for this series – born from my personal struggle of epilepsy.

When I was first diagnosed, it was not the diagnosis that freaked me out, but about how I was joining the wrong side of a statistic. My aspirations suddenly felt limited compared to those of others.

My dad sent me an article about notable people with epilepsy, I was shocked to find out how many successful figures in history had struggled with the same condition. While there is no proven correlation found between epilepsy and greatness, I wanted to share to those going through the same struggle as well as to the public that a diagnosis doesn’t inhibit your life.

And so, I begin with Julius Caesar—one of history’s most formidable leaders.

Julius Ceasar

Julius Caesar (100–44 BCE) was a Roman general, statesman, and dictator whose actions led to the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. A brilliant military leader, he expanded Rome’s territories through his conquest of Gaul and played a key role in the civil wars that reshaped Roman politics. His reforms, military strategies, and legacy influenced Roman governance and left a lasting impact on history, with his name becoming synonymous with leadership and power.

Back in ancient Rome and until Hippocrates, they didn’t know how to identify or diagnose epilepsy. There was no such thing as EEGs back then. Instead, it was referred to as “the falling sickness” due to the physical nature of the seizures.

Various historical sources such as Plutarch, Pliny and Suetonius, reported that the great Julius Ceasar suffered from epilepsy or “the falling sickness”. It’s highly likely that Augustus censored most documents relating to his uncle for reputational purposes.

Plutarch wrote that “he was distempered in the head and subject to epilepsy”, while Suetonius reported that he “enjoyed excellent health except towards the end of his life, when he was subject to sudden fainting-fits, and disturbance of sleep”. Shakespeare in his play referenced that “he hath the falling sickness”.

There are four recorded instances: while listening to the oration by Cicero, in the Senate while being offered the emperor’s crown and in the military campaigns, the battle of Thapsus and Cordoba.

During the battle of Thapsus, it was reported that; “he perceived the approaches of it and before it had too far disordered his senses; and as soon as he began to shake, took care to be removed to a neighbouring fort”. The brief convulsion was preceded by an aura and possible fsocal motor activity.

There were hereditary reasons for historians to speculate his epilepsy. His great- great- great grandnephews Caligula and Britannicus also had seizures, and his son Caesarion by Queen Cleopatra was also likely having them as a child.

Some believed that these seizures were secondary to a primary disease such as malaria and hypoglycaemia.

While, Hugh Jackson, the greatest classical neurologist, and one of the first epileptologists argued that his “falling sickness” onsetting late in life was most likely caused by neurosyphilis.

How did a man with unpredictable seizures maintain command over Rome’s armies and politics?

Julius Ceasar’s epilepsy could have played a role in influencing his leadership and the legacy it echoed long after he was gone. His perseverance in the face an unpredictable condition was a key trait that defined his leadership. The battle of Thapsus highlights this ability.

Moreover, in ancient times, epilepsy was sometimes seen as a sign of divine favour. Some rulers, including Caesar, were deified after their deaths. His seizures may have been perceived as mystical episodes, reinforcing his god-like image among followers. Contributing to his cult of personality with the later push by Augustus to deify him.

Some scholars speculate that Caesar may have had temporal lobe epilepsy, which can enhance cognitive abilities. These include deep focus, intense memory recall, and even visionary thinking. His ability to quickly assess battlefield conditions and make bold, strategic decisions (such as crossing the Rubicon) shows an unusually sharp ability to process complex information under pressure.

If Caesar experienced seizures during crucial moments, such as battles, he would have needed trusted generals and advisors who could act in his absence. Hence, making him reliant on effective delegation—a key trait of successful leaders. His ability to build strong alliances with figures like Mark Antony and Octavian suggests that he compensated for any physical vulnerabilities with strong political networking.

While epilepsy did not dictate Caesar, it may have played a crucial part in the style of his leadership. Whether it was an obstacle he overcame or a condition that heightened his unique abilities, it did not prevent him from becoming one of the most influential figures in history.

Emphasising his immense influence in politics, language and culture, several modern terms are coined after him.

Just as epilepsy did not define Caesar, neither did his mortal limitations. His legacy endured not just in history books but in language itself. The very titles of rulers—‘Kaiser’ in Germany, ‘Tsar’ in Russia—trace back to his name, symbolizing enduring power. His strategic mind is immortalized in the ‘Caesar Cipher‘ a method of encryption still studied today. Even ‘Caesarism’ a term for populist authoritarian rule, speaks to his political impact.

Despite Julius Ceasar being someone who lived many centuries ago, his impact transcended time. To those struggling with epilepsy, know that your ambitions are allowed to be larger than life just like his.

“Veni, Vidi, Vici.” – “I came, I saw, I conquered.”