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The Ancients
Origins of the Wheel
Dec 5, 2024
Dr. Richard Bulliet, a Professor Emeritus at Columbia University renowned for his work in archaeology, and Dr. Kai James, a computational engineer who employs modeling to validate historical theories, delve into the origins of the wheel. They propose a fascinating idea that prehistoric miners in the Carpathian Mountains engineered the wheel around 6,000 years ago. The discussion covers the wheel's impact on mining and transport, the cultural shifts during the Copper to Bronze Age, and the intricate relationship between early technology and environmental factors.
52:10
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Quick takeaways
- The wheel was first created by prehistoric miners in the Carpathian Mountains nearly 6,000 years ago for transporting copper ore.
- The development of the wheel involved a significant technological shift from simple rollers to the complex wheel and axle systems we know today.
Deep dives
The Origin of the Wheel in Prehistoric Mining
The invention of the wheel, a cornerstone of human advancement, is believed to have originated nearly 6,000 years ago in the Carpathian Mountains by prehistoric miners known as the Boralas culture. This theory posits that the wheel was developed to aid in transporting heavy quantities of copper ore extracted from mines, as these miners faced challenges in moving significant loads efficiently. The research is groundbreaking as it uses modern computational science to support this theory, establishing a connection between early engineering practices and contemporary technological methods. By creating simulations, researchers have illustrated how the wheel may have emerged from simple rollers to the more complex and functional designs we recognize today.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode