Mohenjo-daro occupied 700 years earlier than previously thought. Site spreads across more than 620 acres and supported up to 40,000 people at its height Fresh radiocarbon dating confirms occupation between 3300 and 2600 BCE Previously, urban development was thought to have suddenly begun around 2600 BCE
Fresh radiocarbon dating reveals Judeir-jo-daro was occupied between 3300 and 2600 BCE, challenging the belief that urban development suddenly began around 2600 BCE. Excavations of a massive mud-brick structure first uncovered in 1950 by Sir Mortimer Wheeler show a multi-phase city wall dating to 2700-2600 BCE. Deep coring uncovered early Harappan style pottery, confirming the settlement evolved from an already established community rather than being built from scratch.
Key Facts
- Site spreads across more than 620 acres and supported up to 40,000 people at its height
- Fresh radiocarbon dating confirms occupation between 3300 and 2600 BCE
- Previously, urban development was thought to have suddenly begun around 2600 BCE
- Excavations focused on a massive mud-brick structure first uncovered in 1950 by Sir Mortimer Wheeler
- Structure identified as multi-phase mudbrick city wall constructed and expanded over centuries
- Earliest phase of wall dates around 2700 to 2600 BCE
- Deep coring uncovered early Harappan style pottery confirming substantial settlement predating the wall
- Evidence shows Mohenjo-daro evolved from an already established community rather than being built from scratch
Related site: Judeir-jo-daro — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: April 2026 by Inside Archaeology