Part of the problem is the lack of writing. Many other civilizations have numerous texts that – once deciphered – grant a significant understanding of several aspects of the society. Only a very few sources or writing are known for this civilization, and the extreme lack of sources has hampered any attempt to decipher it.
Another problem is a lack of artifacts. While the layout of many of the buildings and the general layout of the town is known, few artifacts were found within it. Either they were taken when the people left or looters have long since removed them. Much of our understanding of ancient civilizations comes from artifacts. For example, if we find pottery of a certain type, then it might show that trade existed with this other settlement or civilization – where that type of pottery is common. It might also reveal clues as to what methods the civilization used to make and fire pottery, what understanding they had or lacked regarding how to make and apply glazes, and so forth.
Another problem is a lack of artifacts. While the layout of many of the buildings and the general layout of the town is known, few artifacts were found within it. Either they were taken when the people left or looters have long since removed them. Much of our understanding of ancient civilizations comes from artifacts. For example, if we find pottery of a certain type, then it might show that trade existed with this other settlement or civilization – where that type of pottery is common. It might also reveal clues as to what methods the civilization used to make and fire pottery, what understanding they had or lacked regarding how to make and apply glazes, and so forth.
