Final answer:
Religion has significantly shaped civilizations by influencing cultural identity, societal structure, arts, and politics. Religious buildings served as centers for worship and symbols of cultural artistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of religion on civilization is profound and multifaceted, influencing cultural identity, societal structure, and inter-communal relations. In a historical context, religious practices often dictated the norms and values within a society, facilitated the establishment of political systems, and played a significant role in arts and architecture. Religious buildings like temples, churches, mosques, and pagodas not only represented sacred spaces for worship but also served as symbols of power and cultural artistry.
Throughout the Medieval Period in Europe, for example, Christianity was not just a faith but an institution that influenced every facet of life from governance to social hierarchy. Moreover, during Late Antiquity, the introduction of Islam in Western Europe brought about a diverse society, as seen in Spain, which housed Muslims, Christians, and Jews under a single rule. The religious identity became a cornerstone in shaping governmental policies and cultural expressions.
In Aksum and Himyar, religion was central to the kingdoms' identity and governance, profoundly affecting their cultures and international relations. The sacred could govern over the secular, as seen in the authority held by religious leaders, who could interpret the supernatural will—a power that had very real consequences on the allocation of resources and the societal structure.