WHO INVENTED THE WHEEL and WHEN WAS THE FIRST TESTIMONY DATED?

The wheel, a tool we interact with on a basis often without even thinking about it holds great significance in our lives. Its origins can be traced back to civilizations in Mesopotamia although the evidence available is mostly archaeological and subject to debate among historians.

The Original Purpose of the Wheel

Contrary to belief the wheel was not initially designed for transportation purposes. Its primary use was in pottery. It wasn't until 2,000 years later in Greece that it started being used for transportation. The known wheels date back to around 3,500 B.C., which is after the invention of agriculture, boats and textiles during the transition from Neolithic to Bronze Ages.

The Bronocice Jar; A Remarkable Discovery in Wheel History

In 1975 archaeologists made a discovery known as the Bronocice jar. This ceramic vessel was found in a village in Poland and dates back to approximately 3,635 3,370 B.C. What makes it fascinating is that it contains what could potentially be the depiction of a wheeled vehicle. It's worth noting that other cultures, like the Incas and various Western civilizations also explored the concept of wheels.

We can see evidence of this in the existence of stone toys although it never progressed into the type of wheel we are familiar with today.

The evolution and impact of the wheel

The modern day wheel is quite different from its predecessors. However its creation opened up doors for inventive tools such as wheelbarrows, mills, clock gears and various other devices. The invention of the wheel. Subsequently the axle undoubtedly stands as one of the most monumental achievements, in human history.