ANCIENT INDIA LESSON TWO: HISTORY OF THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY

THE HISTORY OF THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY  discovered in the 1920s  developed along the Indus River in modern-day Pakistan

THE HISTORY OF THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY  artifacts showed…  evidence of a thriving, urban civilization  practical approach to “running” a civilization  no large burial sites  no focus on rich/wealthy  seemingly peaceful society  existed at the same time as Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt  area was TWICE the size of Mesopotamia and Egypt

THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY THE TALE OF TWO CITIES  Mohenjodaro  Harappa – considered a “rich” discovery  Indus River Valley also called Harappan civilization  first artifact  unique stone seal carved with a unicorn & inscription  form of writing  not yet deciphered

THE INDUS RIVER VALLEY THE TALE OF TWO CITIES  carefully planned city  well organized, very sanitary  built on giant platforms & elevated grounds  network of streets  straight lines, right angles  buildings constructed of bricks & uniform in size  in-door plumbing in homes  bathing areas  neighborhood wells

THE END OF THE CIVILIZATION  Ends around 1900 B.C.  Large civilization becomes fragmented  Breaks into smaller regions  WHY?  Possible theories include…  Aryan invasions from the north  changing river patters which led to flooding  earthquakes

YOUR ASSIGNMENT 1. eBackpack – History of the Indus River Valley 2. The Ultimate City – More information will be given in class on our next school day.