Changes

Key features of Hellenistic culture were athletic exercises in gymnasia and athletic performances in public arenas, where men appeared in the nude. While the [[penis]] sheathed in an [[intact]] foreskin was normal and acceptable, ancient Greeks and their Hellenistic successors considered the [[circumcised]] penis to be offensive, as it was perceived as a vulgar imitation of [[erection]], unfit for public display. The ancient Greeks and their Hellenistic successors considered the "ideal prepuce" to be long, tapered, and "well-proportioned." Removing it was considered [[mutilation]]. Men with a short [[foreskin]], a condition known as ''lypodermos'', would wear a leather cord called a ''kynodesme'' to prevent its accidental exposure.<ref name="hodges2001" /> <ref>{{REFweb |url=https://acroposthion.com/foreskin-restoration-2/ |title=Foreskin restoration |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |author-link= |publisher=Acroposthion |date= |accessdate=2025-06-11}}</ref>

The sight of [[circumcised]] genitals at public baths or gymnasia would inspire laughter and ridicule. Jewish men, who wished to gain acceptance in the larger social world and needed a full-length [[foreskin]] to cover their [[glans penis]], gave themselves a presentable appearance by pulling the remaining [[foreskin]] forward as far as possible, and keeping it under enough tension to encourage permanent [[stretching]] toward its original length. Using a fibular pin or a cord, they pierced the front of the remaining foreskin, drew it forward, and fixed it in place; sometimes they would attach a weight to maintain tension. Over time the foreskin stretched [[tissue expansion| expanded]] and restored at least some of the appearance of an [[intact]] organ.<ref name="glick2005" /> and [[epispasm]] was invented. Up until the 2th century, [[Jewish circumcision]] involved only partial foreskin removal. ===Jewish response to epispasm===Rabbis of the second century responded to the practice of epispasm to increase the injury by mandating ''[[Periah| peri’ah]]'' to change Jewish circumcision, or the complete ablation of the [[foreskin]] in order to prevent Jewish men from engaging in [[foreskin restoration]].<ref name="glick2005" />It is clear that the [[circumcised]] Jewish men of antiquity needed a long, full-length [[foreskin]] to function in Greek society. It is not clear what other advantages may have been found.