Evolutionary Origins of Religious Cognition: Possible Contributions of Neanderthal and Denisovan Genetic Heritage to Human Religious Concepts

Although Homo sapiens remains the only species with clearly documented religious systems, archaeological evidence suggests that other archaic humans may have exhibited behaviors associated with proto-religious thought, including symbolic practices and possible mortuary rituals. In particular, Homo neanderthalensis and the population known as Denisovans possessed large and complex brains, including well-developed frontal regions associated with social cognition and symbolic processing. This article explores the possibility that these archaic humans possessed early conceptualizations of death and mortality that could represent precursors to later religious ideas. By examining archaeological evidence, genetic research on archaic introgression, and theories from evolutionary anthropology and cognitive science of religion, the study investigates how interactions between archaic humans and modern humans may have contributed to the cognitive and cultural foundations of religious thought. Particular attention is given to the potential influence of archaic genetic heritage on cognitive traits related to agency detection, social cohesion, and attitudes toward death. The article also discusses whether such evolutionary and cognitive influences may have indirectly shaped later religious traditions in different cultural contexts, including both Western and Eastern religious systems. While direct causal connections remain difficult to establish, this study aims to provide an interdisciplinary framework for understanding how archaic human populations may have contributed to the deep evolutionary roots of human religiosity.