History Indus Valley Civilization Questions Medium
The evidence of trade with Egypt in the Indus Valley Civilization can be seen through various archaeological findings and historical records. One of the key pieces of evidence is the discovery of Indus Valley seals in Egypt. These seals, made of steatite or terracotta, have been found in several Egyptian sites, including Abydos and Naqada. These seals bear inscriptions in the Indus script, suggesting a connection between the two civilizations.
Additionally, there have been findings of Egyptian artifacts in the Indus Valley region. For example, Egyptian faience beads, pottery, and ivory have been unearthed at various Indus Valley sites, such as Harappa and Lothal. These artifacts indicate the presence of trade between the two civilizations, as they were likely imported from Egypt.
Furthermore, the presence of Mesopotamian goods in the Indus Valley also suggests a trade network that connected Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. Mesopotamian texts, such as the Sumerian King List and the Ebla tablets, mention trade relations with a land called Meluhha, which is believed to refer to the Indus Valley. These texts describe the import of various goods, including timber, metals, and precious stones, from Meluhha.
Overall, the evidence of Indus Valley seals in Egypt, the discovery of Egyptian artifacts in the Indus Valley, and the mention of trade relations in Mesopotamian texts all provide strong evidence of trade between the Indus Valley Civilization and Egypt. These findings suggest that the Indus Valley Civilization was an active participant in long-distance trade networks during its heyday.