Circumcision from a historical perspective
Meijer, B.; Butzelaar, R.M.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 144(52): 2504-2508
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 11155508 Document Number: 525187
Male circumcision has been practiced by many tribes in different continents. The oldest image of a circumcision dates from 2300 BC and was found in Egypt. In the Jewish religion circumcision symbolizes the covenant between God and Abraham. Despite the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was circumcised, circumcision has never been part of Christianity. Circumcision is not mentioned in the Koran; the practice of circumcision in Islam is attributed to Abraham, who is considered by muslims to be one of the prophets. From the middle of the nineteenth century circumcision was performed for medical reasons. Throughout the centuries, from the time of the Bible, many methods for performing circumcision have been described, and a few to undo it by restoring the prepuce.