Year 3 - History
Cities of the Indus Valley civilisation
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 features of cities in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Key Notes
- The objects found at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were found in the remains of great cities built out of clay bricks.
- As the people of the Indus Valley grew better at farming, they could grow more food and some people could do other jobs.
- People like merchants and artisans lived in these cities, which were carefully planned and laid out.
- Public baths have been found at Mohenjo-Daro and even bathrooms and toilets in people's houses in Lothal.
- All over these cities were wells for fresh water along with channels and drains to carry away sewage.
Vocabulary To Learn
- merchant: someone who buys and sells things is called a merchant
- artisan: an artisan is someone very skilled at making things
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That only farmers lived in the cities.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The objects found at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were found in the remains of great cities built out of clay bricks. As the people of the Indus Valley grew better at farming, they could grow more food and some people could do other jobs.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'merchant'
someone who buys and sells things is called a merchant.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: That only farmers lived in the cities. Correction: Evidence has been found suggesting lots of different skilled individuals lived and worked in the cities of the Indus Valley.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 3 History guide library.