The Indus Valley Civilization developed around 5,000 years ago along the Indus River valley. At its height from 2600-1700 BC, over 1.25 million square kilometers contained many well-organized cities built of brick and stone with sophisticated drainage, wells, and water storage. The civilization developed advanced systems of weights, trade, and a writing system, though the language remains undeciphered. Daily life involved crafts like jewelry-making and children played with toys.

2.  Indus Valley Civilization
 Around five thousand years ago, an
important civilization developed on the
Indus River floodplain. From about 2600
B.C. to 1700 B.C. a vast number of
settlements were built on the banks of the
Indus River and surrounding areas. These
settlements cover a remarkable region,
almost 1.25 million kilometers of land which
is today part of Afghanistan, Pakistan and
north-western India.
 The cities of the Indus Valley
Civilization were well-organized


3.  and solidly built out of brick and stone.
Their drainage systems, wells and water
storage systems were the most
sophisticated in the ancient world. They
also developed systems of weights and
trade. They made jewelers and game
pieces and toys for their children. From
looking at the structures and objects which
survive we are able to learn about the
people who lived and worked in these
cities so long ago.
 The people of the Indus Valley Civilization
also developed a writing system which was
used for several hundred years. However,
unlike some other ancient civilizations, we
are still unable to read the words that they
wrote.

4.  We know very little about this civilization, but
what we know is fascinating! Over 4,000
years ago, in the Indus Valley, people built
huge, planned cities, with straight streets,
and brick homes with private baths! Kids
played with toys and women wore lipstick!
 In 1922, archaeologists found something
exciting! They found the remains of an
ancient city called Harappa. They found
another city, located 400 miles southwest of
Harappa, called Mohenjo-Daro. Other
ancient cities from the same period,
arranged in the same way, have been
found since. Collectively, this civilization is
referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization
(sometimes, the Harappan civilization). This
civilization existed from about 3000-2,500
BCE to about 1500 BCE, which means it
existed at about the same time as the
Egyptian and Sumerian civilizations.

5.  What was life like, over 4,000
years ago, in Harappa and
in Mohenjo-Daro, two busy
cities of about 35,000 people
each? Would you have
wanted to live in one of
these flourishing ancient
cities? (I think they sound
neat!) Let's see what you
think!