Rise of human civilization tied to belief in punitive gods
Long-distance strangers who share certain religious beliefs more likely to create societal bonds, study suggests
![Egyptian Book of the Dead](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/020916_bb_punitive-gods_free.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
GODS’ WRATH Beliefs in all-knowing, punitive gods helped turn hunter-gatherer groups into large civilizations, a new study suggests. Here, a papyrus manuscript from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead shows a line of Egyptian gods (top) ready to judge whether the dead Theban scribe Ani should be admitted to the afterlife or sent to the underworld.
Trustees of the British Museum