When did the practice of the handshake begin?

The origin of the handshake goes back to primitive eras: the physical contact of the hand symbolized peace and friendship. Later symbolism of the gesture, apart from a greeting, was the ratification of a contract or pledge. Even today, we clinch a contract or business deal by ‘shaking hands on it’. Archaeological ruins and texts show the handshake was in use as a means of greeting as far back as the 2nd century BC.