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Map of the Indus Valley Civilization, c.3300-1300 BCE
This map illustrates the extent and key urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3300–1300 BCE), one of the world’s earliest complex societies. Spanning parts of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India, this civilization was notable for its large, well-planned cities, sophisticated infrastructure, and extensive trade networks.
Often referred to as the Harappan or Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, it featured cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro that showcased grid-based layouts, advanced drainage systems, and standardized construction techniques. Its people traded goods with regions as far as Mesopotamia and Egypt, yet left behind no grand temples or palaces, suggesting a society that emphasized order, commerce, and civic planning over monumental display. The decline of civilization after 1300 BCE is widely linked to environmental change, shifts in river patterns, and the breakdown of long-distance trade networks.
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.
