I.

Introduction

Circumcision, surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin of the human male or of the corresponding tissues of the female. Circumcision of males has been widely practiced as a religious rite since ancient times. An initiatory rite of Judaism, circumcision is also practiced by Muslims (see Islam), for whom it signifies spiritual purification. Although its origins are unknown, earliest evidence of the practice dates from ancient Egypt. By the time of the Roman takeover of Egypt in 30 bc, the practice had a ritual significance, and only circumcised priests could perform certain religious offices.