Inequality declined in the Bronze Age city of Mohenjo-daro

A new analysis of residence areas at the Bronze Age city of Mohenjo-daro, part of the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, reveals that economic inequality declined over time despite urban growth. Contrary to traditional assumptions linking urbanism with increased stratification, researchers calculated Gini coefficients using early excavation data and found they decreased as the city prospered and its street plan developed. This suggests governance may have played a role in limiting inequality, challenging prevailing narratives about ancient urban societies.

Green, A. S., Alam, I., & Petrie, C. (2026). Inequality declined in the Bronze Age city of Mohenjo-daro. Antiquity, 100(413), 1239–1254. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2026.10359