12/7/12 BR- Why are we so unsure about Civilizations in the Indus Valley (We know some things but not for sure.) Today: Learning More About the Indus Valley

Using the reading Reading notes Question #1 on p. 47 Questions on p. 49: 1, 3-8. Archeologist Letter (see next) Lets finish this by Monday!

You Are the Archeologist: Imagine that you have been studying ancient civilizations in the Indus valley. I would like you to write a letter back to your famous colleague Professor Indiana Jones.

Details of the Letter Dear Indiana, The civilizations of the Indus valley are ___________. I have learned a great deal about them but much remains a mystery because_____________. We have discovered that civilization began to emerge in this area around__________. (include 3 details.) One people we have learned about were the Harappans. (Include one detail each about the Harappans (1) Language, (2)Culture, (3) Religion, (4) Trade.) Sadly, much of what happened here may remain lost to us. We do know that the people of the Indus went into decline and disappeared. (discuss 2 theories of what happened to the people of the Indus valley.) That’s all for now! Take care of the crystal skulls you found and I’ll see you at the next museum party! Your Friend,

Monsoon-Seasonal Wind Summer monsoon-Wet season Monsoon means wind that changes direction with season. Monsoon is the seasonal weather pattern that dominates India. Means “season” in Arabic.

OROGRAPHIC CLOUDS, AKA Rain Shadow Lifting due to Topography produces orographic clouds When air is confronted by a mountain, it is lifted up and over the mountain, cooling as it rises. If the air cools to its saturation point, the water vapor condenses and a cloud forms.

Winter Monsoon Winter-Dry season During the winter, the flow of air reverses. The continent cools rapidly forming a large area of high pressure over north central Asia. Now the drier, colder air of the continent blows offshore creating the dry monsoon season.

Indus The Indus Valley Civilization (3000BC–1500 BC)and matured around (2600BC–1900 BC) The mature phase of this civilization is known as the Harappan Civilization

Advanced Cities Mohenjo-Daro - one of the administrative centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. . The planning and engineering showed the importance of the city to the people of the Indus valley. Harrappa was built according to plans of well-laid-out streets, differentiated living quarters flat-roofed brick houses, and fortified administrative or religious centers.

Advanced Cities Continued… Lothal was a trading center with its trade of beads, gems and valuable ornaments. had the world’s first dock. Lothal's people were responsible for the earliest-known portrayals of realism in art and sculpture.

Specialized workers Bronze workers that worked metals into jewelry, weapons or tools Bricklayers Scribes Merchants

Complex Institutions This ancient civilization had a strong central government The Indus civilization had a polytheistic religion. Certain animals and human figures were worshipped.

Writing and Record Keeping The people of the Indus Valley Civilization developed a writing system that we are still unable to read . Over 2,000 stone seals have been found These seals were in quadrangular shapes The most common seal found was of an unicorn. Those found in Indus Valley were similar to those found in Mesopotamia. (Which suggests …..what?)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: One of the first early civilizations to have: - wide streets laid out in a grid pattern - plumbing - sewer system The cities of the Indus Valley were well planned and had covered drains. Indus houses had protection against noise, odors, and thieves. Standardized weights and measures