Indus Assessment

Indus Valley clay seals have been found in Mesopotamia.  How do historians explain this?

• Indus Valley conquered Mesopotamia

• Mesopotamia conquered the Indus Valley

• Indus Valley merchants traded with Mesopotamia.

Civilization first began in river valleys such as the Indus River Valley because

• scenery was beautiful

• people enjoyed swimming in the river

• silt from the river made the land fertile.

• it had a drainage system

What archaeological evidence suggests that there was a complex government in charge in Indus Valley cities?    

• The layout of the streets in the major cities was in the same grid pattern.

• The cities had the same systems of uniform weights and measures.

• There was an underground sewer system in all the cities.

• all of the above.

Name and describe 2 inventions or innovations.  Be detailed & informative.

Answer explanation

Sewers: Sewer systems allowed for sophisticated and sanitary cities. These sewer systems allowed for the disposal of human waste which cut down on disease and unsanitary conditions

Planned cities: The Indus civilization created cities on a grid. Cities were well planned and easy to navigate. This shows that there must have been a strong central government as most of the cities followed a common footprint.

The Indus people were a violent, warlike people.

• True

• False

Explain 2 possibilities for the decline of the Indus Valley people.

Answer explanation

Some possible explanations for the collapse of the Indus civilization are (1)earthquakes which led to the rivers rerouting and possibly drying up, (2) sewer systems were left unmaintained and over time failed which led to unsanitary conditions and spread of disease, (3) conquered by outside forces, most likely the Aryans.

What evidence leads historians to believe that political and religious power were closely linked?

Answer explanation

The citadel or fortress found at Harappa was the combined building used for a royal palace and holy temple. This shows us that secular and religious power were closely linked. Most likely the rulers were believed to get their power from divine powers.

Despite the many artifacts that have been discovered, what is preventing historians and archaeologists from knowing more about the Harappan civilization?

Answer explanation

The biggest roadblock to understand the Harappan civilization is the fact that we cannot understand their language.

What are the 2  major cities of the Harappan Civilization?

• Harappa & Mohenjo Daro

• Mohenjo Daro & Ashoka

• Minoa & Phoenicia

• Ashoka & Hindu Kush