Year 3 - History
Archaeology and the Indus
The Indus Valley civilisation: What have archaeologists found out about it?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
These units analyse the way in which archaeologists have found out about the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Shang dynasty. Whichever unit is chosen, pupils examine the archaeological record of an early civilisation and develop their knowledge of what claims are based on these remains.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe some of the archaeological finds uncovered at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
Key Notes
- Following Harappa's discovery in 1921, another major site was excavated in 1922 at Mohenjo-Daro.
- They uncovered huge numbers of clay seals, covered in writing and images, along with many pieces of broken pottery.
- They also discovered large stone circles on which they think the Indus people threshed their crops.
- They also found whistles and figures of dancing women as well as clay toys and figurines.
- From these discoveries archaeologists have worked out that the Indus Valley Civilisation was very large and complex.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Harappa: Harappa was the first Indus Valley civilisation site to be excavated
- Mohenjo-Daro: Mohenjo-Daro was the second Indus Valley civilisation site to be excavated
- Indus Valley civilisation: the people who lived in the Indus Valley in ancient times are known as the Indus Valley civilisation
- threshing: the act of separating the parts of a crop that can be eaten from the parts that can't is called threshing
- seal: a seal is a decorated object that is pushed into a soft material like wet clay or wax in order to leave an imprint of its design
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Archaeologists and historians always know exactly what discovered items were used for in the past.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Following Harappa's discovery in 1921, another major site was excavated in 1922 at Mohenjo-Daro. They uncovered huge numbers of clay seals, covered in writing and images, along with many pieces of broken pottery.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Harappa'
Harappa was the first Indus Valley civilisation site to be excavated.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Archaeologists and historians always know exactly what discovered items were used for in the past. Correction: Archaeologists and historians have to make guesses about what the discovered items were used for in the past, using their knowledge and other objects to help them.
More Lessons In This Unit
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