The understanding of the human anatomy was held back in early medicine by the belief of ancient cultures that the body was sacred. It belonged to God, not to man. Early physicians could not cut up dead bodies and could therefore not gain accurate knowledge and an understanding of the human anatomy.
The bible stated that the body was 'sacred' . Many important religious leaders were against the act of dissection. It was their voice of opposition which kept public opinion against dissection up to, and even after the passing of the Anatomy Act in 1832. There is little evidence to suggest that the Roman Catholic church was opposed to dissection, as long as the body was given a proper religious burial. In 1537, Pope Clement VII accepted the teaching of anatomy by dissection and it was this that prompted the increase in dissections across Italy, but not the rest of Europe.
Records of performed autopsies in Italy exist from c.1250. These autopsies were performed by surgeons to determine the cause of death and would sometimes be made a public performance. At this early stage in the development of medicine the bodies used were always those of criminals or witches. No law-abiding citizen would be subject to an autopsy.