Who was the first ancient civilization to adopt and practice monotheism?

The Hebrews are recognized as the first ancient civilization to adopt and practice monotheism. This belief system is epitomized in their worship of a single, all-powerful God, which is foundational to Judaism. The significance of this is rooted in the Hebrew Bible, where figures such as Abraham and Moses are central to the development of monotheistic thought. The Israelites’ covenant with God shaped their identity and societal structure, marking a pivotal shift from polytheistic practices common in many ancient civilizations.

Other cultures, such as the Sumerians and Minoans, engaged in polytheistic worship, recognizing multiple deities associated with various aspects of life and nature. The Phoenicians, while also influenced by earlier cultures, predominantly practiced polytheism and their religious beliefs included a pantheon of gods. In contrast, the Hebrews’ emphasis on a singular deity introduced a new paradigm in religious thought that has had a lasting impact on later monotheistic religions, including Christianity and Islam.