The invention of the wheel emerges as a remarkable human achievement, essential for the advancement of civilizations. Wheels are integral to various aspects of daily life, such as farming and construction.
The Ljubljana Marshes Wheel, discovered near Slovenia's capital, is a key focus. It is the oldest known wooden wheel, approximately 5,150 years old, boasting a 72-centimeter diameter and a 124-centimeter-long oak handle.
The wheel's ingenious tenon arrangement allowed the wheel and axle to rotate together. Found scorched and covered in ash, it was excavated from a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing the region's ancient settlements dating back to 9,000 years ago. The discovery contributes to understanding the simultaneous development of the wheel in Europe and Mesopotamia. Today, the Ljubljana Marshes Wheel is showcased at the City Museum of Ljubljana, serving as a tangible link to our ancient technological accomplishments.
