These two
civilizations, despite their differences, did indeed share many similarities. First of all, they
both depended on their respective rivers to maintain many of their functions. Mesopotamia (which
literally means the land between rivers) lies between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The
Harrapans existed along the Indus River. They utilized the waters from these rivers and their
tributaries to support a complex system of agriculture. They built extensive irrigation systems
to best take advantage of this life-giving water. Having a dependable source of water for
farming meant that these civilizations were able to feed relatively large populations.
With a large population comes the need for social stratification. The Harrapans and the
Mesopotamians both had highly stratified societies. Large numbers of farmers worked the fields
and supplied a surplus of food for the many city dwellers. Free from the necessity of growing
their own food, urban populations arose. These city dwellers were employed in artisanal work,
bureaucracy, and commerce. Both civilizations also had a priestly class. At the top of both
civilizations was a king and his nobility who it appears also served in religious
roles.
Both civilizations were city builders. They made and lived in what are
likely some of the first cities in the world. Sun-dried bricks were the most common building
material. Most cities were centered on a large structure such as a palace, temple, or citadel.
Urban planning was well utilized with streets laid out in grids and protective walls surrounding
the cities.
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