We already know how the wheel was created. No, it wasn’t about transportation at all
The wheel is a brilliant invention. Without it, many things in our everyday life would make no sense – from office chairs to cars. However, this engineering masterpiece was not created so that you could just drive somewhere.
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Archaeologists have an interesting mystery to solve. They discovered very early rotary tools, used by humans about 12,000 years ago. They are among the oldest devices currently known that use rotation for operation. This discovery sheds new light on the origin and development of the pearl of technology, which is undoubtedly the wheel.
A donut-shaped stone
Scientists analyzed a collection of perforated stones in the shape of a donut with a hole. They were shaped by human hands about 12,000 years ago, in the Neolithic Age. It was a time favorable for inventions and improvements. During this time, many populations adopted agriculture and sedentary lifestyles.
There is something special about stones. It is almost certain that these are elements of very early mechanisms that use turnover to make people’s work easier. Here, archaeologists are most likely dealing with spindles. Heavy, round objects can be joined together to create wheels and axles. After adding a few elements, you can spin wool or linen yarn relatively quickly.
scientists carefully analyzed the shape of each of over 100 stones. Comparison of digital models of the finds confirmed that they were wheels. They are, of course, round, symmetrical, the holes are placed exactly in the middle, there is no doubt that they were created for fast and even rotation. This assessment would be impossible without access to digital solutions, which is also worth emphasizing. Of course, the spindle was also built and tested – it worked flawlessly.
This spindle design does more than meet the needs of a growing population. Specialists treat it as an early example of a wheel and axle. This is how humanity’s adventure with the potter’s wheel, wagons, and eventually also with railways and cars began. This is confirmed by more recent finds, including carts from the Bronze Age. Today, you just need to look out the window to appreciate how important the wheel and its rotational movement are.
The find comes from the Nahal-Ein Gev II research site, located near the legendary Sea of Tiberias (Israel).
