1. What was discovered in South Asia in the 1920s that changed our understanding of the history of the area?

Question

2. Based on the reading, what were two ways the Indus Valley civilization was different than other ancient civilizations?

3. True or False: Indus Valley civilizations were not peaceful. What archaeological evidence supports this?

4. What two Indus Valley cities revealed much about their culture?
a.
b.

5. The first artifact found in Harappa was evidence of
a. a great war b. trade c. religion d. language

6. True or False: Sanitation was important to the Harappans.
What evidence supports this?

7. What was one key in the spreading of the Indus culture and growth of the economy?

8. What are two possible causes of the fall is the Indus culture?
a.

b.

Answer 1

1. In the 1920s, the discovery of the ruins of the Indus Valley civilization (also known as the Harappan civilization) dramatically changed our understanding of the history of South Asia, revealing a highly advanced and urbanized society that existed around 2500 BCE.

2. Two ways the Indus Valley civilization was different from other ancient civilizations are: a. It had advanced urban planning, including well-organized cities with grid layouts, sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures. b. The Indus Valley civilization had no known centralized political authority or monumental architecture, such as palaces or temples, that characterized other ancient civilizations.

3. False: Indus Valley civilizations were generally considered peaceful. Archaeological evidence supporting this includes the absence of weapons and military fortifications in major sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, suggesting that conflict and warfare were not prevalent.

4. Two Indus Valley cities that revealed much about their culture are: a. Harappa b. Mohenjo-daro

5. The first artifact found in Harappa was evidence of: b. trade (the seals found there indicated trade connections)

6. True: Sanitation was important to the Harappans. Evidence supporting this includes the sophisticated drainage systems and public bath areas found in the cities, indicating an advanced understanding of hygiene and waste management.

7. One key to the spreading of Indus culture and the growth of the economy was trade, particularly the exchange of goods such as cotton textiles, beads, and metalwork with neighboring regions, including Mesopotamia.

8. Two possible causes of the fall of the Indus culture are: a. Climate change leading to drought or flooding, which affected agriculture and water supply. b. The decline in trade routes that may have contributed to economic instability and the eventual abandonment of cities.