Study Reveals Mohenjo-daro Became More Equal as It Grew
4,000-year-old city actually became more equal as it became more successful: Study

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A recent study published in Antiquity reveals that Mohenjo-daro, an ancient city in Pakistan's Indus Valley, became more egalitarian as it expanded, challenging the notion that economic growth leads to inequality. The findings suggest that collective improvements in urban planning and shared resources contributed to this equality.
- 01Mohenjo-daro, located in Sindh, Pakistan, is one of the earliest major cities, known for its innovative urban planning.
- 02The study indicates that as Mohenjo-daro grew, the wealth gap narrowed, reaching levels typical of early farming villages.
- 03Unlike other ancient civilizations, Mohenjo-daro lacked palaces and statues of rulers, promoting a more egalitarian society.
- 04City amenities were accessible to all residents, fostering a sense of collective ownership and community.
- 05The research suggests that equitable distribution of resources may have been crucial for sustaining the city's long-term prosperity.
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A new study published in the journal Antiquity examines Mohenjo-daro, the largest city of the ancient Indus Valley civilization, revealing that it became increasingly egalitarian as it expanded. Situated in the Larkana District of Sindh, Pakistan, Mohenjo-daro is renowned for its advanced urban planning, which included sophisticated drainage systems and organized street layouts. Lead author Dr. Adam Green highlights that unlike other ancient civilizations, Mohenjo-daro did not build palaces or monuments for rulers, which contributed to its unique social structure. The research indicates that as the city grew to accommodate a population of up to 40,000, the wealth gap narrowed, with disparities in house sizes decreasing. This challenges the common belief that economic growth leads to inequality, suggesting instead that shared resources and collective improvements were key to the city's success. The findings offer valuable lessons for modern societies, demonstrating that an advanced urban environment can thrive while ensuring equitable resource distribution.
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The study's findings on Mohenjo-daro's egalitarian growth can inform modern urban planning and social policies.
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