During the 19th century, British engineers building the East Indian Railway between Karachi and Lahore stumbled upon large quantities of old bricks near Harappa, in modern-day Pakistan. Little did they know that the bricks they used for constructing the railway belonged to one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations. This would soon prove that there were until then unknown ancient civilizations older than recorded history.
It would be only decades later, in the 1920s, archaeologists led by Sir John Marshall, began systematic excavations in the region. As the excavations progressed, it became clear that these were not isolated sites but part of a large and sophisticated civilization. The layout of the cities, with well-planned streets, drainage systems, public baths, and standardized building materials, pointed to a highly organized society, revealing an advanced Bronze Age civilization, contemporary with Egypt and Mesopotamia.
This society had a complex trade network, a system of weights and measures, and an undeciphered script that still remains a mystery today. Unlike many other great civilizations, the Indus people did not leave behind grand monuments or palaces. The biggest unsolved mystery is how this society collapsed; potential reasons include climate changes and economic factors, but there is no certainty regarding the cause.
The discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization revealed a lost chapter of human history, showcasing an advanced, peaceful, and intricately connected culture to the wider ancient world. It also challenged previously held notions about the timeline and complexity of early civilizations, demonstrating that sophisticated urban development and cultural achievements existed much earlier.
Craving more? Check out the source behind this Brain Snack!
