1. Ancient India
Another mystery?

2. Where?

3. Subcontinent
Area that separates one part of a continent from the rest of it.
Why is India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh called a “subcontinent”?

4. Why here?

5. Geological advantages/disadvantages
Area bordered by Indus and Ganges rivers.
Himalaya mountains acted as boundary.
Rivers afforded fertile land, as in Mesopotamia
Flooding also common.
Monsoons made situation worse.

6. Timeline of Civilization
7000 BCE -- evidence of settled area
3200 BCE -- people farming in villages
2500 BCE – cities are developing
Mohenjo-Dara
Harappa
1500 BCE – end/decline of civilization

7. Contributions/Traits
Evidence of cities being VERY well planned
Citadel – central, fortified area with major city buildings
Grid system
Separation of residential from business areas
Advanced plumbing for times – actually had bathrooms in houses!

8. Trade Evidence of stable economy Goods from India found in Sumer
Children’s toys discovered
Shows prosperity
Goods from India found in Sumer
shows long distance trade

9. Institutions/Language
Evidence of early writing discovered
Unclear if it is origin of Sanskrit
Evidence of worshiping of gods discovered
Unclear if it is origin of Hinduism

10. Mysterious End?
Historians unsure why Indus Valley civilizations ended.
Theories?
River changed course?
Citizens over-used land/resources?
Attack by foreign invaders?