The Early States and Kingdoms of the Iranian Plateau and Their Relationship with the 7 Rivers Civilization

The Iranian Plateau, located between Mesopotamia to the west and the Indus to the east, saw the emergence of some of the first states and kingdoms in history. These regions were rich in natural resources, favoring the development of advanced and connected societies.

The First Civilizations of the Iranian Plateau

Around 3000 BCE, organized communities appeared on the Iranian Plateau. The most famous are those of Elam and Jiroft.

– Elam: Located in southwest Iran, Elam prospered thanks to its agriculture and trade with Mesopotamia. The Elamites used their own writing and had a well-defined social structure.

– Jiroft: Further east, Jiroft is known for its intricate stone and copper artifacts. This civilization, still little explored, shows signs of advanced organization and contacts with other cultures.

The Civilization of the 7 Rivers

The 7 Rivers Civilization, better known as the Indus Civilization, extended along the rivers of what is now Pakistan and northwest India. It originated around 3500 and its peak between 2500 and 1900 BCE, with well-planned cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro.

Contacts between Civilizations

The exchanges between the Iranian Plateau and the civilization of the 7 rivers are attested by archaeological discoveries.

– Trade: Stone and shell objects from the Indus were found in Elam and Jiroft. This shows that there were active trade routes between these regions. Locals traded agricultural products, textiles and handicrafts for metals and precious stones from Iran.

– Technologies and Ideas: Similarities in measurement systems, urban planning and certain cultural practices suggest that these civilizations shared ideas and technologies. For example, the construction and drainage techniques of the 7 Rivers civilization may have influenced the methods used in Elam.

Cultural Influences

Regular contacts also led to cultural exchanges.

– Writing: The Elamites and the Indus people used distinct writing systems, but mutual influences are visible in certain symbols and motifs.

– Religion and Art: Similar artistic motifs and religious symbols were found in both regions, indicating exchanges of ideas and beliefs.

Conclusion

The first states and kingdoms of the Iranian Plateau played a crucial role in trade with the 7 Rivers civilization. Trade, technology sharing and cultural influences contributed to the development of these societies. These interactions show the importance of connections between ancient civilizations to understand their evolution and prosperity.