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Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro
Mound of the Dead

What you see here is a site from 2500 BC, an ancient site from the Indus Valley Civilization in present-day Pakistan, known as Mohenjo-daro. This was the first proper water supply and sewage disposal system in the world, an ancient site from the Indus Valley Civilization in present-day Pakistan.

It was spread across 500-633 acres of land, once home to 20,000–40,000 people and over 700 wells, that’s only 10% of the site that’s been dug up so far!

Ground plan of the Great Bath

 

The Great Bath

Bathing Platform, 10 ft well

 

Here’s a quick list of the facts that blew my mind:

  • Built around the same time as the pyramids in Egypt

  • Two main districts: The Citadel and Lower Town. The Citadel serving as the administrative and ceremonial hub, while the Lower Town housed the majority of the population.

  • The Great Bath was located in the Citadel, was the main source of providing water to houses and toilets. This was a 900 sq. foot water tank fed by the Indus River, holding 210,000 liters of water. Its waterproofed walls used gypsum and bitumen, techniques still used in modern waterproofing. Roman baths? They came hundreds of years later.

  • The entire city was laid out on a grid system, remarkably advanced for its time. Built on a raised platform to avoid flooding and to accommodate efficient drainage systems.

  • The city's drainage system included manholes every few feet, allowing drains to be easily cleaned if they became blocked.

  • Limestone was used to cover sewage systems, as it was believed to absorb and mask odors.

  • The site included double-story houses, some featuring 10-foot deep wells for water storage, highlighting the city's advanced infrastructure and focus on water conservation.

Living in America, it’s easy to forget how much we owe to cultures around the world. This project isn’t just about art; it’s a nudge to pay attention. By drawing connections between the ancient innovations of Mohenjodaro and our current infrastructure, I want to promote a deeper understanding of cultural contributions and encourage discussions about our collective history.