1. Indus River Valley

2. Geography Subcontinent – Separated by mountains from Asia
Three Mountain ranges
Hindu Kush
Karakoram
Himalayas

3. Geography
Two rivers form fertile plain.
Indus River
Ganges River

4. Geography
Monsoons – Seasonal Winds that caused dry and wet seasons. Unpredictable

5. Geography Natural Barriers Mountain Ranges Desert (Thar Desert)
The largest barrier is the largest mountain range, the Himalaya Mountains.

6. Civilization Largely Unknown Farmers settled around the Indus River
No deciphered written language
Farmers settled around the Indus River
First major Cities
Harappa
Mohenjo-Dara
Also known as Harappan Civilization
Strong Central Government
City planning and construction

7. Achievements Sophisticated City-Planning
Cities were developed on a grid system
Oven baked bricks for building
Plumbing and sewage system
Children's’ toys
Used stamps and seals to identify goods.
Toilet (hooray toilet)

8. Culture No distinct Social Classes Prosperous (Wealthy) Society
Few Weapon, relatively peaceful
Religious artifacts found that link to Hindu Culture
Early representations of Shiva
Economy based on trade

9. Mysterious End
Around 1750 B.C.E. the quality of buildings started to decline.
River possible changed directions
No longer fertilizing the fields near the cities
Possible over-farming
Possible catastrophe (natural disaster) or possible invasion
Ended around 1500 B.C.E.