Indus-Valley Civilization

The Indus-Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization) was a Bronze Age civilization that flourished in Western Asia (that some might classify as being part of the Near East) specifically in the regions of north-western South Asia. The Indus-Valley Civilization (IVC) flourished from about 3300–1300 BCE.

Considered as one of the earliest urban societies. Characterized by advanced city-planning, drainage systems, and standardized weights and systems of measure. They also possessed a (presently undeciphered) written language.

The Indus-Valley Civilization flourished at around the same time as the Sumerians, even at the tail-end of the Uruk Period, which could potentially indicate a connection because we know that the Sumerians traded with the IVC. The Indus-Valley Civilization overlaps with the Uruk Period of Mesopotamia, the earliest dynasties of Sumer, Ancient Egypt, and the Minoans, into the Second Millennium BCE Mycenaeans, Babylonians, and many more cultures of the Near East and Europe.

The Indus-Valley Civilization even outlast Sumer as a distinct nation. There is clearly attested evidence of influence (trade, communication of ideas and culture) between Mesopotamia and the Indus-Valley Civilization. Proven IVC-Mesopotamia Trade.

While the IVC lasted from 3300–1300 BCE, it reached its pinnacle probably during the centuries between 2300–1900 BCE. In the Near East, this peak is roughly concurrent with the Akkadian Empire and Old Kingdom Egypt.

The main sites that represent the Indus-Valley Civilization (which are also the most well-known) are Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The ancient cities appear to have been the cultural centers of the IVC — the epicenter of Harappan Civilization. The majority of examples of their language written on objects and seals were found at these sites. [1]

With that being said, there are a number of other noteworthy sites, such as Lothal, Farmana, and Mehrgar.

The Harappan Civilization is one of the top candidates for the Indo-European/Iranian Aryan Civilization of the Aryan Invasion into India. This was recorded in the Mahabharata, and other ancient Indian epics and scriptures of the Vedic peoples.

The Indus-Valley Civilization can be classified as one of the four great — and first — ancient civilizations of the Near East (along with Egypt, Sumer, and the Minoans).