The history of eunuchism is lost in antiquity.

The ancient Book of Job speaks of eunuchs, and they were in vogue before the time of Semiramis; the King of Lydia, Andramytis, is said to have sanctioned castration of both male and female for social reasons.

Negro eunuchs were common among the Romans.

All the great emperors and conquerors had their eunuchs.
Alexander the Great had his celebrated eunuch, Bagoas, and Nero, his Sporus, etc.

Chevers says that the manufacture of eunuchs still takes place in the cities of Delhi, Lucknow, and Rajpootana.