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Map of the Indus Valley Civilization, c.3300 - 1300 BCE
This map illustrates the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization, Indus-Sarasvati Civilization). Thriving from around 3300 to 1300 BCE, it was one of the earliest known urban societies situated in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. Renowned for its highly organized cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, it featured grid-based urban planning, advanced drainage systems, and uniform building materials. This civilization was deeply engaged in trade with distant regions such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. The consistent layout of its numerous cities indicates a centralized authority that coordinated urban development. Despite the absence of monumental religious or royal architecture, the culture displayed remarkable technological and cultural sophistication. The civilization's eventual decline around 1300 BCE is attributed to environmental factors, such as climate change and disruptions in trade.
Questions & Answers
When did the Indus Valley Civilization flourish?
- The Indus Valley Civilization flourished between c. 7000 and c. 600 BCE, although evidence of human activity in the region goes back much farther.
What are the two best-known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization?
- The two best-known cities of the Indus Valley Civilization are Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.
When was the Indus Valley Civilization discovered?
- The Indus Valley Civilization was discovered in 1829.
Has the script of the Indus Valley Civilization been deciphered?
- No. The Indus Script (also known as Harappan Script) has not been deciphered. All that is known of the culture comes from the ruins of the cities and artifacts found there.
