The Indus River Valley civilization arose around 2600 BCE and was centered around the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The cities had well-planned layouts with modern plumbing and drainage systems. Writing from this time has yet to be translated. The civilization faced challenges from unpredictable rivers and strong winds/monsoons. It declined around 1500 BCE, possibly due to natural disasters, overuse of land, or invaders.

1. Indus River Valley 2500 BCE – 1500 BCE Around 2600 B.C. the various regional cultures were united in what is called the Indus Valley Civilization. It is also commonly referred to as the Harappan culture after the town of Harappa (where it was first discovered.)

2. Indus River Valley Civilization

4. Excavations at the ancient Harappan and Mohenjo Daro mounds revealed well planned cities and towns built on massive mud brick platforms that protected the inhabitants against seasonal floods. In the larger cities the houses were built of baked brick while at smaller towns most houses were built of sun-dried mud brick. Each city is laid out in a grid pattern and shows signs of stunningly modern plumbing systems. Much writing has been found at these sites, but it has not yet been translated.

5. What challenges did the people along the Indus River face? unpredictable rivers (similar situation to Mesopotamia region) strong winds / monsoons

6. Indus Economy Just like the other River Valley Civilizations, the Indus river valley people were mostly farmers. Traditional economy They did trade with Chinese and with Sumerians (Mesopotamians).

7. What happened to the Harappan Civilization on the Indus River? Above: The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro. Surrounding pics: various Harappan artifacts.

8. Three Theories about why the Indus Valley civilization ended around 1500 BCE Harappans abandoning their city. 1. The river may have changed course, natural disaster (caused by heavy monsoons) 2. The people may have overworked the land (overcutting trees, overgrazed, over-farmed land depleting nutrients) 3. Invaders (the disputed (A.I.T.) Aryan Invasion Theory)

9. Did you know? Hinduism is considered to be the world’s oldest religion. Yet it’s origins have long been a mystery. Above: Terracota household statues such as this female goddess are found frequently in the region. Is this religious icon an early Shiva? Does modern Hinduism have its origins in Harappan civilization?

10. Cultural diffusion is the spread of elements of one culture to another people, generally through trade. Take the spread of writing. Similarities between the pictograms of Egyptian hieroglyphics, Sumerian cuneiform, and the Indus script are striking. Can you give examples of cultural diffusion in your society today? PP Design of T. Loessin; Akins H.S.