Religion is believed to date back to which point in human history?

The belief that religion dates back to the beginning of the human species aligns with anthropological perspectives that suggest spiritual or religious beliefs were integral to early human societies. Archaeological evidence indicates that ritual practices and spiritual beliefs emerged alongside the development of early human culture, and even Neanderthals may have exhibited signs of ritual burial and symbolic thought.

This perspective emphasizes that religion likely served significant social functions, such as providing a framework for understanding the world, establishing social cohesion, and offering explanations for existential questions. By tracing the roots of religion to the very dawn of humanity, it is recognized as a fundamental aspect of human existence, rather than a later development associated with agriculture, urbanization, or industrialization. This understanding underscores the continuity and adaptability of spiritual beliefs throughout human evolution.