What role does religion play in the rise of civilization?

Answer 1

They have brought countries together, as well as tearing them apart. The Islams took over almost all the Middle East a while back and spread technology, some religions were the only way to get educated in the middle ages, becoming a nun or monk.

Answer 2

Answer:

religion and society have a symbiotic relationship. When one changes, so does the other.

Answer:

they weren't exactly civs but they were barbarians like the franks and Saxons that attacked the Romans

Answer 3

In some ways it helps civilising, providing a focus for ethics and part of culture (the Olympics and Greek plays formed part of celebrations for the gods).

In other ways they have provided the basis for competition and disruption. This is primarily focussed in the three exclusivist religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam who share the same god under a different name, and this god has been used for both good, and for destruction in the name of their 'only god'.