What thories do historians offer to explain the collapse of early Indus Valley civilizations?
Check these sites.
http://www.adventurecorps.com/archaeo/collapse.html
http://www.indopedia.org/Indus_Valley_Civilization.html#Decline_and_collapse
What were early civilizations more likely to fight over?
To understand the collapse of the early Indus Valley civilizations, historians have put forward several theories. Exploring these theories can offer insight into the factors that potentially contributed to the decline of these ancient societies.
1. Environmental Factors: One theory suggests that changes in the environment, such as changes in river patterns, climate shifts, or an extreme drought, may have played a role in the collapse. Historians analyze sediment cores, ancient pollen records, and geological data to understand the impact of environmental factors on the civilization.
2. Decline in Trade Networks: The Indus Valley civilizations were known for their extensive trade networks, with evidence of connections to Mesopotamia and other regions. Some historians speculate that disruptions in these trade networks, including conflicts or shifts in power dynamics, could have led to economic decline and ultimately contributed to the collapse.
3. Internal Conflict and Political Instability: Another theory focuses on internal conflicts within the Indus Valley societies. This includes the possibility of political unrest, social upheaval, or power struggles among different city-states. Interpretations of ancient writings, archaeological evidence of fortified cities, and the presence of weapons can shed light on the existence of conflicts.
4. Aryan Invasion: Some historians suggest that an invasion by the Indo-Aryans from the northwest caused the collapse of the Indus Valley civilizations. This theory proposes that the incoming Aryan culture gradually replaced the existing urban culture. Archaeological evidence, linguistic analysis, and ancient texts like the Rigveda are examined to support or challenge this theory.
5. Economic Factors: Economic factors are also considered potential contributors to the collapse. It is argued that a combination of declining trade, resource depletion, and economic mismanagement might have resulted in the downfall of the Indus Valley civilizations. Analysis of agricultural practices, storage facilities, and evidence of wealth disparities can offer insights into economic aspects.
It's important to note that these are just some of the theories proposed by historians. The collapse of the early Indus Valley civilizations remains a subject of ongoing research, and further discoveries and interpretations may lead to new understandings in the future.