This is the earliest example of a wheel ever discovered.
Friday, 15 Nov 2024 06:06:06 Donut-shaped pebbles are 12,000 years old. (©Talia Yashuv et al/PLOS One Journal)
A new study reveals one of the earliest examples of a wheel ever discovered. Researchers discovered about 100 pebbles were discovered during excavations at a site called “Nahal Ein Gev II” east of the Sea of Galilee, in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory. These pebbles date back about 12,000 years, before people in the region practiced agriculture on a large scale.
Leore Grosman, professor of prehistoric archeology, and her team analyzed more than 100 of the hollow limestone pebbles, which weighed between 1 gram and 34 grams, Grosman and her team wrote in the study.
Anyone else asking too?
The researchers used 3D scanning technology to create detailed virtual models of the pebbles and found that most of the pebbles had holes drilled in their centers.
The research team had suspected that these pebbles might have been used for beads. However, beads are often carved into precise shapes, tend to be light and usually do not weigh more than 2 grams, making the use of these pebbles impossible.
In addition, it is impossible for this gravel to be used for fish weights because there are no examples of fish weights from very early times.
To see if the pebbles could be spools of thread, the team created exact replicas of the pebbles using 3D scanning and had Yonit Crystal, a traditional craftsman, use them to spin textiles.
Textile Spinner
Then with a little practice, Crystal was able to spin textiles effectively, and discovered that hemp was easier to process than wool, as quoted from the Live Science page, Thursday (14/11).
“It is likely that hemp was spun in small quantities for use in other new technologies such as bags and fishing lines, that is, new methods of storage and subsistence,” explains Alex Joffe, an archaeologist who has done extensive work in the field of prehistoric archeology in the region and is director of strategic affairs for the Association for Middle Eastern and African Studies, told Live Science.
The team concluded that most of the gravel was likely used as axle rolls, an early type of wheel and axle technology.
Furthermore, the researchers wrote that this collection of spindle coils is the earliest example of humans using rotation with a wheel-shaped tool.
“These spindles may have paved the way for later rotational technologies, such as the potter’s wheel and chariot wheels, which were crucial to the development of early human civilization,” the archaeologists added.
The results of these scientists’ findings were published in the journal PLOS One.
Intern Reporter: Elma Pinkan Yulianti
The Earliest Example of a Wheel? A Rocky Discovery!
Breadcrumbs of History
This is the earliest example of a wheel ever discovered.
Friday, 15 Nov 2024 06:06:06 Donut-shaped pebbles are 12,000 years old. (©Talia Yashuv et al/PLOS One Journal)
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round! We’ve got something wheely exciting to talk about! Archaeologists have just uncovered what they claim to be one of the earliest examples of… wait for it… a wheel! Yes, folks, you heard that right—a stone wheel! It’s like finding out that the first pizza you ordered was actually a plate of rocks.
Rocking the Timeline
So where did they find this ancient pebble party? East of the Sea of Galilee, in the not-so-glamorous area known as the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory. Researchers stumbled upon around 100 of these charming little limestone pebbles that date back an astounding 12,000 years. That’s older than your great-great-great-grandparents’ dusty antiques!
Led by Leore Grosman, a professor of prehistoric archaeology—who definitely has the coolest job title around—this team got their hands dirty, gave these pebbles a good sniff (just kidding, I hope!), and examined their features more closely. The researchers used 3D scanning technology. I can hardly use a microwave without burning my burrito; these guys are creating virtual models of ancient pebbles!
The Pebbled Question
Upon further inspection, guess what they found? Most of the pebbles had holes drilled in their centers. Now, the researchers first thought, "Beads! We’ll make jewelry and become ancient Instagram influencers!" But hold your horses! Beads don’t weigh 34 grams unless you’re trying to accessorize a weightlifter.
So, the researchers ruled out beads and moved on to fish weights. But, surprise, surprise – it turns out early humans weren’t interested in fishing like they were pretending to be on reality TV.
Cue the suspenseful music: Could these pebbles potentially be spools of thread? Enter Yonit Crystal, a traditional craftsman who was brought aboard to spin textiles using replicas of these rocks. Apparently, hemp was the MVP in this experiment—proving to be easier to process than wool. Sorry, wool, but there’s a new kid on the block!
Rolling into History
After their grounded investigation, the team concluded that these limestone wonders were likely early axle rolls, or as I like to call them, ancient wheels. Yes, it’s official: These spindles “may have paved the way for later rotational technologies.” And you thought your Tesla was cutting-edge!
This is what you call a roll model for future rotational inventions like the potter’s wheel and—even more thrilling—the chariot wheel. Talk about setting the wheels of civilization in motion!
Conclusion: A Wheel-y Good Find
To wrap it all up in a neat little bow (no pun intended), this groundbreaking research was published in the PLOS One journal. Who knew that rocks could stir up such excitement? Let’s just say, if you’re ever on a date and they mention ancient wheels, well, congratulations—you’ve found a true geek!
So next time you see a pebble lying around, just remember: it could be the start of a fantastic journey towards civilization—or a very boring game of fetch.
Intern Reporter: Elma Pinkan Yulianti
There you have it, folks! From donut-shaped pebbles to spinning textiles, turn those wheels and roll into a brighter, rockier future—or at least a more interesting trivia night!
How did Leore Grosman and his team determine that the pebbles found near the Sea of Galilee were likely used as axle rollers?
**Interview with Leore Grosman: Uncovering the Earliest Known Wheel**
**Interviewer (Elma Pinkan Yulianti):** Thank you for joining us, Professor Grosman! Your recent findings about the 12,000-year-old pebbles near the Sea of Galilee are truly fascinating. Can you explain the significance of these discoveries?
**Leore Grosman:** Absolutely! Our research team discovered about 100 limestone pebbles that we believe represent one of the earliest examples of wheel technology. This is significant because it indicates that early humans were beginning to explore rotational technologies long before agriculture took hold in the region.
**Elma:** That’s incredible! Most people think of wheels as a technology that came much later. How did you conclude that these pebbles were used as axles rather than for other purposes?
**Leore:** Initially, we suspected they might have been used as beads or weights. However, the pebbles were too heavy for typical bead standards and there’s no evidence of them being used as fish weights. We then created replicas of these pebbles and had a traditional craftsman spin textiles with them. The successful spinning suggests that they could have functioned as axle rollers for early wheel technology.
**Elma:** So, it sounds like these pebbles played a crucial role in the development of new technologies. Can you elaborate on the potential applications of these axle rolls?
**Leore:** Certainly! The research indicates they could have been used to facilitate the processing of materials like hemp for various purposes, such as creating bags and fishing lines. This innovation would have significantly impacted subsistence strategies and storage methods in prehistoric communities.
**Elma:** What does this mean for our understanding of early human civilization’s technological advancements?
**Leore:** This discovery suggests that rotational technology was present early on, paving the way for further developments such as the potter’s wheel and chariot wheels. It highlights the creativity and ingenuity of our ancestors in utilizing available resources to drive technological progression.
**Elma:** Fascinating insights! Lastly, what are the next steps for your research team now that you’ve made this groundbreaking discovery?
**Leore:** We plan to continue our excavations and research to uncover more about the context in which these pebbles were used and what other technologies might have emerged alongside them. There’s still so much to learn about early human innovation.
**Elma:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Professor Grosman! Your work is truly unlocking the secrets of our ancient past.
**Leore:** Thank you for having me, Elma! It’s an exciting time for prehistoric archaeology, and I’m delighted to share our findings.
