The liver was historically considered the center of the human being, with origins in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia. This belief, known as hepatocentrism, lasted until the 17th century when new medical discoveries emphasized the heart’s importance over the liver. Literary works such as “Snow White,” “Moby Dick,” and “Ode to the Liver” highlight the ongoing cultural significance of the liver. Surprisingly, the works of art that depict the Crucifixion, a central symbol in Christianity, subtly reference hepatocentrism through the wound in Christ’s side. The liver’s role in ancient cultures, including the detailing in the Iliad and Arabic expressions, reveal diverse conceptions of the liver across different societies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6078213/