Meluhhans

Meluhhans refers to the inhabitants of Meluhha, an ancient civilization and trading partner of Mesopotamia. The exact geographical location of Meluhha is a subject of scholarly debate, but it is widely believed to have been in the Indian subcontinent, possibly the Indus Valley. Mesopotamian texts, such as cuneiform tablets, frequently mention Meluhha as a source of valuable commodities.

Trade between Mesopotamia and Meluhha was significant and long-lasting, dating back to the Sumerian period. Meluhha was known for exporting a variety of goods, most notably carnelian beads, which were highly prized in Mesopotamia. Other imports from Meluhha likely included timber, copper, gold, silver, and ivory. In return, Mesopotamians are thought to have supplied Meluhha with grain, textiles, and other manufactured goods.

The relationship between these two cultures is primarily understood through archaeological evidence and textual references. Excavations in Mesopotamia have unearthed artifacts originating from the Indus Valley, confirming the existence of this trade network. The decline of Meluhha's influence or its integration into other civilizations is not clearly documented, but its presence in Mesopotamian records fades over time, mirroring the eventual decline of the Indus Valley Civilization itself.