1. Indus River Valley
What does archaeological evidence tell us about this civilization?

2. Monsoons on Indian Subcontinent
These seasonal winds dominate India’s climate
Environmental Challenges:
Very different seasons
Unpredictable flooding

3. Archaeologists have investigated numerous Indus sites
NOT FOUND
Names of kings/queens or any other rulers
Tax records
Literature
Famous victories
So, what about this place? What were these people like?

4. In groups and in your spiral
Each group will look at archaeological evidence to draw conclusions about the people of the Indus River Valley
For each artifact:
Name the artifact(s)
Describe the artifact(s)
Explain what this tells us about this civilization’s culture, lifestyle, beliefs, government, people

5. For example: Indus River Valley toys
Small things, probably for children to play with.
This means that they were
Wealthy enough for leisure time
Cared about children’s happiness and development
Valued fun

6. In groups and in your spiral
Each group will look at archaeological evidence to draw conclusions about the people of the Indus River Valley
For each artifact:
Name the artifact(s)
Describe the artifact(s)
Explain what this tells us about this civilization’s culture, lifestyle, beliefs, government, people

7. What the archaeological evidence reveals
Uniform planning
Uniform housing
Children’s toys
Few weapons
Sumerian objects
Strong central gov’t
Few social divisions
Prosperous society
Not many wars
Trade with Fertile Crescent

8. Mohenjo Daro Read “The Forgotten Indus Civilization” on pages 71-73
Activity A: Make a poster for the movie about Mohenjo Daro One page, with words and images/symbols
Activity B:
Write a diary entry as though you lived in Mohenjo Daro
2-3 Paragraphs
For both of these activities you are expected to
Use some vocabulary
Demonstrate common features of daily life in Mohenjo Daro