In terms of size, how did the Harrapan cities compare to ancient Egypt or Sumeria?

The Harappan cities, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, were indeed remarkable for their size and urban planning, making them some of the most advanced of their time. Archaeological findings suggest that cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro often spanned larger areas than many of the cities found in ancient Egypt or Sumeria, reflecting a sophisticated approach to urban design. The extensive layout of these cities included structured streets, advanced drainage systems, and large public baths, indicating a high degree of organization and planning.

When comparing them to their contemporaries, Harappan cities often exhibited larger urban footprints, which while not literally "twice as large," suggest that they had a greater scale than what was commonly seen in cities like Ur or Thebes. This approach to city planning and development demonstrates that the Harappans had achieved significantly more in terms of urban center size and organization than was typical for other ancient civilizations of the time.