Mohenjo-daro

 Mohenjo-daro was a city in the Indus Valley Civilization that flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE.

 

• Location: Located on the right bank of the Indus River in modern-day Pakistan's Sindh Province 
• Discovery: Discovered in 1922 
• Significance: One of the most technologically advanced cities of the Bronze Age, with sophisticated urban planning, sanitation, and production methods 

                       

• Features: Well-planned city with public baths, a college of priests, an elaborate drainage system, wells, soak pits for sewage disposal, and a large granary 
• Artifacts: Includes ivory, lapis, carnelian, and gold beads, as well as baked-brick city structures 
• Decline: The Indus civilization went into sudden decline around 1900 BCE, and Mohenjo-daro was abandoned 
• UNESCO World Heritage site: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980

Destruction of Mohenjo-daro:

The exact reason for the destruction of Mohenjo-daro is a mystery, but there are several theories:

Invasion:

Some evidence suggests that Mohenjo-daro was destroyed by armed invaders who massacred the population, including a large number of women and children. Archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler discovered 39 human skeletons at Mohenjo-daro in the 1940s. 

Flooding:

The Indus River may have overflowed, which could have forced people to move away. 

Change in river course

The Indus River may have changed course, which could have damaged the city's agricultural economy and trade. 

Natural phenomena:

The city may have been destroyed by natural phenomena, such as seasonal changes in precipitation and atmospheric circulation. 

Ancient weapon:

Some believe that the city was destroyed by an ancient weapon, similar to an atomic bomb. 

The Indus Valley Civilization began to decline around 1800 BCE. Other signs of decline include the end of trade with Mesopotamia, the disappearance of writing, and the fall out of use of standardized weights and measures.