A wheel is a circular component that is supposed to rotate on a bearing on the axle. The wheel is one of the key components of the wheel and axle, which is one of the six simple machines. It was likely invented about 5,000 years ago by the ancient Mesopotamians.
After the axle, the first wheels did not appear on any mode of transportation but on a child’s toy. In 1880, an archaeologist discovered such a toy buried in a child’s tomb in Mexico. The toy was the figure of a coyote.
No one really knows who actually invented the wheel.
Scholars estimate that it took another 300 years after wheels were used in pottery and toymaking for them to be applied to transportation.
Around 3,700 B.C., wagon wheels were used in Central Asia.
The first wheels were cut whole from trees or made with smaller pieces that were shaped and rounded where needed.
The original wheels were circular only, with the development of the addition of spokes later.
The oldest wheel in the world was discovered in 2002 in Slovenia. The wooden wheel is estimated to be between 5,100 to 5,350 years old.
When you turn a wheel that has an axle, the axle will also turn.
Wheels made transport of material possessions possible, which meant groups of people could travel long distances for longer periods.
The larger the wheel the easier it will turn due to the shorter distance of the axle turn.
The oldest potter’s wheel was discovered in Ur, a city in Iraq. This wheel is estimated to be from 3129 B.C.
Wheels are used in tiny ways, as in the mechanisms of an intricate watch all the way to larger functions such as wagons and cars.
Interestingly, two-wheeled vehicles came after four-wheeled transportation. The earliest known depiction of this simpler vehicle has been dated between 3402 to 2800 B.C.
The invention of the wheel is thought to be one of the major reasons that civilizations made such great advancements.
The spoked wheels are believed to have been invented in Anatolia or Turkey. The spokes made the wheels significantly lighter and thus faster, making them ideal for many uses, including warfare.
Water wheels have been used throughout history in many countries for both the distribution of water as well as for grinding grain for bread and other foods.
The first wheels to utilize iron rims were found on Celtic chariots that date to 800 to 450 B.C.
The use of the wheel replaced the need for what was called a ‘sled’.
The earliest known evidence of the existence of the wheelbarrow is dated to around 150 A.D. It was discovered in a tomb in the Sichuan province of China.
No wheels exist in nature.
Hamsters were not the first animals on wheels. From the 16th century to the 19th century, dogs were used for turnspits in the kitchens of Britain. The dogs running on wheels helped turn the meat over the fire so it would cook evenly.
The back wheel of a bicycle is propelled by cogwheels.
The invention of the water wheel is accredited to an ancient engineer named Vitruvius who died in 14 C.E. The vertical wheel was used to grind grains and supply water for drinking and crop irrigation.
It has changed the world in incredible ways. The biggest thing that the wheel has done for us is given us much easier and faster transportation.
The oldest wheel found in archeological excavations was discovered in what was Mesopotamia and is believed to be over 5,500 years old. It was not used for transportation, though, but rather as a potter’s wheel.
The combination of the wheel and axle made possible early forms of transportation, which became more sophisticated over time with the development of other technologies.
Though often thought of as one of the earliest inventions, the wheel actually arrived after the invention of agriculture, boats, woven cloth, and pottery. It was invented sometime around 3,500 BC.
Some of the earliest wheels were made from horizontal slices of tree trunks. Because of the uneven structure of wood, a wheel made from a horizontal slice of a tree trunk will tend to be inferior to one made from rounded pieces of longitudinal boards.
Spoked wheels appeared about 2000 BC, when they were in use on chariots in Asia Minor. A spoke is one of some number of rods radiating from the center of a wheel (the hub where the axle connects), connecting the hub with the round traction surface.
In Britain, a large wooden wheel, measuring about 1 m (3.3 ft) in diameter, was uncovered at the Must Farm site in East Anglia in 2016. The specimen, dating from 1,100 to 800 BC, represents the most complete and earliest of its type found in Britain.
The first U.S. patent for a wheel was granted on August 26, 1791, to James Macomb from New Jersey. It was a water wheel with a hollow center that was meant for hydropower mills.
The original Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. as a landmark for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The spinning wheel was invented more than 2,500 years ago in India.
Roulette means “small wheel” in French.
The flag of India has a wheel at its center. The wheel, inspired by the spinning wheel, has 24 spokes.
Wheel FAQs: The Timeless Invention That Keeps Us Rolling
The wheel, a seemingly simple invention, revolutionized transportation and continues to be a fundamental part of our world. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to quench your curiosity about this remarkable invention:
1. Who invented the wheel?
Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact inventor of the wheel is impossible. Archaeological evidence suggests wheels emerged independently in several civilizations around 3500-4000 BC, in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Europe.
2. What were the earliest wheels made of?
The earliest wheels were likely crafted from wood, with a solid core and a wooden rim. Later, civilizations developed wheels with spoked designs, using lighter materials like wood and leather for increased efficiency.
3. How did the wheel impact history?
The invention of the wheel had a profound impact on human progress. It facilitated:
- Transportation: Wheeled vehicles enabled efficient movement of goods and people, fostering trade and expansion of civilizations.
- Agriculture: Plows pulled by animals increased agricultural productivity and supported larger populations.
- Warfare: Chariots revolutionized warfare, impacting battle tactics and strategies.
- Pottery: The potter’s wheel allowed for faster and more precise shaping of clay vessels.
4. How have wheels evolved over time?
Wheels have continuously evolved throughout history:
- Metal rims: Replacing wooden rims with metal improved durability and weight capacity.
- Spoked wheels: Lighter and more efficient than solid wood wheels.
- Pneumatic tires: Filled with air, they provided smoother rides and better shock absorption.
- Alloy wheels: Modern wheels are often made from lightweight and strong aluminum alloys.
- Self-inflating tires: Run-flat tires can maintain some functionality even after a puncture.
5. What are the different parts of a wheel?
A modern wheel typically consists of:
- Rim: The outer ring that holds the tire.
- Spokes: Radiating bars connecting the rim to the hub.
- Hub: The central part of the wheel that attaches to the axle.
- Tire: The rubber covering that provides grip and protects the wheel. (Note: Tire is not technically part of the wheel itself).
6. What are the different types of wheels?
Wheels come in various forms depending on their function:
- Car wheels: Designed for high speeds and handling on paved roads.
- Truck wheels: Built for heavy loads and durability on diverse terrains.
- Bicycle wheels: Lightweight and spoked for efficiency and speed.
- Casters: Small wheels with swiveling mechanisms for easy maneuvering.
- Pottery wheels: Specialized wheels used in shaping clay on a rotating platform.
7. What are some interesting facts about wheels?
- The oldest known wheel ever discovered dates back to 3500 BC in Mesopotamia.
- The iconic bicycle wheel design, with spoked construction, is considered one of the most efficient machines ever invented.
- The first practical pneumatic tire was invented by John Dunlop in 1888, revolutionizing bicycle safety and comfort.
- Wheels are not just for transportation; they are used in various mechanisms like gears, flywheels, and turbines.
8. Where can I learn more about the history of the wheel?
Many museums worldwide have exhibits showcasing the evolution of the wheel. Online resources like historical societies and archaeological websites can provide further information.
The wheel, a testament to human ingenuity, continues to be a cornerstone of our world. From facilitating transportation to inspiring technological advancements, the wheel’s impact on human progress is undeniable.
