Which ancient civilization was the first to practice monotheism?

The Hebrews were the first ancient civilization known to practice monotheism, which is the belief in a single, all-powerful God. This concept is integral to Judaism, which asserts the worship of one God. The shift from polytheism to monotheism among the Hebrews is traced back to biblical figures such as Abraham and Moses, who are credited with establishing the foundations of a monotheistic faith that emphasizes a personal relationship with a singular divine entity.

In contrast, other ancient civilizations practiced polytheism, believing in multiple gods who represented various aspects of life and nature. For instance, the Egyptians had an extensive pantheon of gods, each associated with specific elements of their society and environment. The Greeks, too, worshipped a multitude of deities connected to nature, human qualities, and various aspects of life. The Persians followed Zoroastrianism, which recognized a dual concept of good and evil but did not fully align with the strict monotheistic framework that defines Judaism.

Thus, the Hebrews distinguished themselves as the civilization that first articulated and practiced monotheism in a way that deeply influenced subsequent religious traditions.