Archaeology of Pakistan

Relics at the museum of Mohenjo-daro

Pakistan contains some of the oldest archaeological discoveries of the world. The country is home to many archaeological sites dating from Lower Paleolithic period to Mughal empire. The earliest known archaeological findings belong to the Soanian culture from the Soan Valley, near modern day Islamabad. Soan Valley culture is considered as the best known Palaeolithic culture of Central Asia.[1]

The Mehrgarh culture was amongst the first cultures in the world to establish agriculture and livestock and live in villages.[2] Mehrgarh civilization lasted for 5000 years till 2000 BCE after which people migrated to other areas, possibly Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.[2] Harappa and Mohenjo-daro are the best known sites from the Indus Valley civilization (c 2500 - 1900 BCE).[3]

Archaeologists have also discovered river remains in the Pabbi Hills which can be dated back to 2.5 million years ago. In the river deposit remains of Pabbi Hill, archaeologists have discovered over 40,000 fossils to help further their archaeological discoveries in Central Asia.

Archaeology in Pakistan is conducted under the direction of Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) of Ministry of Heritage and National Integration of Pakistan.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Masson, V. M. (1999). "Lower Palaeolithic cultures". The History of Civilizations of Central Asia (Vol.1). Motilal Banarsidass. p. 50. ISBN 9788120814073.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 West, Barbara A. (2009). "Mehrgarh, Pre-Harappan culture". Encyclopedia of the peoples of Asia and Oceania. New York: Facts On File. p. 519. ISBN 9781438119137.
  3. ↑ Possehl, Gregory L. (2002). "Ancient Indian Civilization". The Indus civilization : a contemporary perspective (2. print. ed.). Walnut Creek, Calif.: Altamira Press. p. 1. ISBN 9780759101722. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  4. ↑ Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM)
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