Pakistan is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, which dates back to over 5,000 years ago. The ancient civilization of Pakistan is known by many names, but what is the most accurate term to use? Let’s explore.
Many historians refer to this civilization as the Indus Valley Civilization. This name comes from the fact that the majority of its sites were located in the valley of the Indus River. The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the three great civilizations of the ancient world alongside Mesopotamia and Egypt.
However, calling it just the Indus Valley Civilization is not entirely accurate. This civilization was spread across a much larger area than just the valley of the Indus River. It extended from northeastern Afghanistan to Pakistan and northwest India.
Another name that has been given to this civilization is Harappan Civilization. This name comes from one of its most famous sites – Harappa.
Harappa was one of two major cities (the other being Mohenjo-daro) discovered during excavation work in modern-day Pakistan in the 1920s. These cities were known for their impressive urban planning and advanced drainage systems.
The Harappan Civilization was highly developed and had a writing system that has not yet been fully deciphered. They were skilled in metallurgy, pottery making, and bead making, among other things. They also had a strong trade network with other civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Despite all these achievements, this civilization declined around 1900 BCE for reasons that are still not fully understood by historians.
In conclusion, while both Indus Valley Civilization and Harappan Civilization are commonly used terms for this ancient civilization, neither fully encompasses its vast geographical extent or cultural achievements. Therefore, it may be best to refer to it simply as “the ancient civilization of Pakistan”. Whatever term you use, it’s important to remember and appreciate this fascinating piece of history that has contributed so much to the world as we know it today.
- Key Points:
- The ancient civilization of Pakistan dates back over 5,000 years.
- It is commonly referred to as the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan Civilization.
- However, these terms do not fully encompass its vast geographical extent or cultural achievements.
- It’s best to refer to it simply as “the ancient civilization of Pakistan.”
The Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization is named after the valley of the Indus River. It was one of the three great civilizations of the ancient world alongside Mesopotamia and Egypt.
The civilization was spread across a much larger area than just the valley of the Indus River.
The Harappan Civilization
The Harappan Civilization gets its name from one of its most famous sites – Harappa. Harappa was one of two major cities (the other being Mohenjo-daro) discovered during excavation work in modern-day Pakistan in the 1920s.
Achievements and Decline
The Harappan Civilization was highly developed and had a writing system that has not yet been fully deciphered.
Despite all these achievements, this civilization declined around 1900 BCE for reasons that are still not fully understood by historians.
In Conclusion
While both Indus Valley Civilization and Harappan Civilization are commonly used terms for this ancient civilization, neither fully encompasses its vast geographical extent or cultural achievements.