Ancient Pebbles in Israel May Be Earliest Evidence of Wheel Technology

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists in Israel have unearthed what could be one of the earliest examples of wheel-like technology ever discovered. They have found dozens of 12,000-year-old, doughnut-shaped pebbles that are believed to be spindle whorls – tools used to spin textiles like flax and wool.

These roughly 100 spindle whorls, described in a study published in the journal PLOS One, are pebbles with carefully crafted holes allowing a stick to be inserted. This simple design facilitated the spinning of fibers, a crucial development for early civilizations.

The researchers, led by Talia Yashuv of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology, believe that these ancient spindle whorls represent a significant early example of humans harnessing the power of rotation. They theorize that this rudimentary technology could have paved the way for later innovations like the potter’s wheel and the cart wheel, both pivotal in the advancement of early human civilizations.

“While the perforated pebbles were kept mostly at their natural unmodified shape, they represent wheels in form and function: a round object with a hole in the center connected to a rotating axle,” explained Yashuv.

Traditionally, the invention of the wheel is attributed to around 6,000 years ago, though its precise origins remain a mystery. To confirm their hypothesis about the pebbles’ function, the researchers meticulously analyzed over 100 of these holey limestone pebbles, ranging in weight from 1 gram to 34 grams.

These pebbles were unearthed in earlier excavations at a site known as “Nahal Ein Gev II.” Located in northern Israel, about 2 kilometers east of the Sea of Galilee, this site dates back approximately 12,000 years, predating the widespread adoption of agriculture in the region.

To gain a deeper understanding of the pebbles’ shape and structure, the team employed 3D scanning technology, creating detailed virtual models. This allowed them to analyze the pebbles with a level of precision exceeding the capabilities of the human eye. They discovered that most of the pebbles had holes drilled into their centers, a key characteristic of spindle whorls.

The team explored other potential uses for the pebbles, considering the possibility of them being beads or fishing weights. However, beads are typically carved into precise shapes and tend to be lightweight, rarely exceeding 2 grams, making this usage unlikely. Additionally, fishing weights from such an early period are rare, and early examples were typically larger and made of heavier materials than limestone.

To confirm their hypothesis about the pebbles’ use as spindle whorls, the researchers created precise replicas using the 3D scans. An expert in traditional craft making, Yonit Crystal, was then tasked with using these replicas to spin textiles. With some practice, Crystal was able to successfully spin both flax and wool, although she found flax to be easier to work with.

Based on these findings, the team concluded that the majority of the pebbles were likely used as spindle whorls, representing an early form of wheel-and-axle technology.

Alex Joffe, an archaeologist with extensive experience in prehistoric archaeology in the region, praised the research, stating, “The experimental results do indeed suggest the perforated stones were used as spindle whorls. It is probable that flax was being spun in small quantities for use in other emerging technologies such as bags and fishing lines, that is to say new methods of storage and subsistence.”

Yorke Rowan, an archaeology professor at the University of Chicago, shared Joffe’s enthusiasm, calling the research “a great piece of analysis, thorough and convincing.” He believes that the discovery of these early spindle whorls represents a significant turning point in technological development.

However, Carole Cheval, a researcher specializing in prehistoric textiles at CEPAM in France, noted that the discovery is not the oldest evidence of wheel-like technology. While acknowledging that the pebbles are likely spindle whorls, she pointed out that similar objects, some even older, have been documented in previous studies.

This remarkable discovery sheds new light on the early development of wheel-like technology and its impact on human societies. The spindle whorls found in Israel, dating back 12,000 years, suggest that humans may have been using rotational technology much earlier than previously thought, playing a crucial role in the evolution of early civilizations.

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