Did any culture, other than the Jews, practice circumcision independently?

by Zymos94
bettinafairchild

Yes, a number of other cultures have historically practiced circumcision. Muslims of course circumcise, though they may have been influenced by Judaism. A number of sub-saharan african societies practice circumcision. And a number of Pacific Island locations also have traditionally circumcised. More radically, some societies practice penile subincision.

Bay1Bri

The earliest depiction of male circumcision is ancient Egyptian. It was done at the onset of puberty as a "rite of passage," possibly inspired by the girl's first period. Sort of a "bleed your way to adulthood." Hygiene is also mentioned by outside sources as being a cause for the practice.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_male_circumcision#Ancient_world

Way-Nerd

I don't know what you mean by "independently". Male circumcision is still very common in the US. Male and female circumcision are practiced in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Male circumcision is becoming more popular in Africa in an attempt to slow the spread of AIDS.

The reasons for these practices are varied. Some of them have a link to Abrahamic religious tradition, and others do not. The practice in the US/UK, for instance, among non-jewish families, was never about religion.