yLarge Area:
Streches across present day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan
Surroundings:
Natural borders consisted of mountains and the Arabian Sea, sheltering the civilization from attack and disease. Water from the river fertalized and irrigated crops. Proximity to the river allowed boats to become a viable transportation option.

Agriculture:
The development of widespread irrigation systems allowed the indigenous population to provide food for themselves. Wheat and barley were primary crops, however rye, peas, cotton, and rice were also grown. Domestication of animals also served as an important tool for cultivation and as a source of food.

Trade
The economy depended greatly on trade. Trade was conducted within the civilization as well as with Mesopotamia. Advancement in technology led to carts and early boats that were used as the main method of trade and travel.
Caste system with four main classes
People were born into social classes that could not be changed.

Brahmins (priests and the king)
Kshatriyas (warriors and aristocrats - rulers)
Vaishyas (cultivators, artisans, and merchants)
Shudras (peasants and serfs)

Buildings and Structures
Individual buildings for bathing and using the restroom (had an early "sanitation" system)
Citadels were used for defense
Granaries
All houses had access to water and were about the same size
Houses had one or two stories
Most buildings were made of dry bricks
No large monuments or structures

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Men worked within their designated caste social class
Women were valued because of their ability to produce offspring and nurse
When children were old enough, they adopted their parents' role

The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as Harappan culture, is among the world's earliest civilizations, contemporary to the Bronze