AIM: How did Indus Valley peoples develop a highly complex society? Do Now: Indus Valley Dig – Work in pairs HW: See Web page

Chapter 3: Ancient Indian Civilizations Harappan Excavations

I. Geography and Climate Indian civilization developed in the Indus River valley about 4,500 years ago

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley 2500 BC to 1500 BC – the Harappan Civilization developed in the Indus River valley An artistic conception of ancient Lothal

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley The named derives from one of the two discovered cities - Harappa and Mohenjo Daro ("Mound of the Dead“) Early settlements date to 7000 BC

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley Both cities were planned with wide streets, water systems, public baths, and brick sewers Ruins of Harappa

This map shows the layout of Mohenjo-Daro, one of the principal cities of the Indus Valley civilization. The larger eastern area contained the residential and commercial sections of the city, which were laid out in a grid of large rectangular blocks. Rising more than twenty feet to the west stood the citadel, built on a mound of mud brick and rubble. Fortified by a brick wall and towers, the citadel contained the city’s shrine, assembly hall, baths, and granary.

The Great Bath was entered using two wide staircases, one from the north and one from the south. The floor of the tank is watertight due to finely fitted bricks laid on edge with gypsum plaster.

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley Each city had a strong central fortress, or citadel, on a brick platform Excavated ruins of Mohenjo-daro

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley Storehouses for grain indicate careful planning and a strong central government Harappa granary

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley Harappan farmers grew crops in irrigated fields and raised livestock Ceramic sculpture of a small cart with vases and tools pulled by oxen, from Mohenjo-daro

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley As early as 2300 B.C., the Harappans traded with the people of the Tigris-Euphrates valley This seal, found in Mesopotamia, indicates a product was made in Harappa, indicating trade took place between the two regions

Indus Valley Seals

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley A written language was developed but it has not been deciphered or connected to other languages

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley No temples or religious writings have been found, just animal images and some evidence of a mother goddess of fertility

Terracotta Figurines

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley The Harappan civilization disappeared - theories include changes in the Indus River, earthquakes, or invasion

II. Early Civilizations in the Indus River Valley Harappan Excavations A Walk through Mohenjo-Daro A Walk around Harappa