Which civilization is known for integrating animals like donkeys and cats into their religious beliefs during the Neolithic period?

The Egyptian Civilization is renowned for its intricate relationship with animals in both daily life and religious practices, particularly during the Neolithic period. This civilization revered various animals and integrated them into their spiritual beliefs, often associated with specific deities.

For example, cats were sacred to the goddess Bastet, symbolizing protection, fertility, and motherhood. Similarly, donkeys were associated with various functions, including agriculture and transport, and they appeared in religious contexts as well. The ancient Egyptians believed that animals could embody the divine or represent qualities of the gods, making their integration into religious practices significant.

In contrast, other civilizations like the Mesopotamian, Indus Valley, and Chinese societies also had animal associations, but they did not exhibit the same level of reverence for animals like cats and donkeys in a religious context as seen in Egypt. Consequently, the Egyptian Civilization is notably distinguished by its prominent incorporation of specific animals into its religious framework.