21/06/2025
The oldest wooden wheel with an axis was found in Slovenia.
5,000 year old wooden wheel, the oldest in the world, Slovenia
The world's oldest known wooden wheel was discovered in 2002 in the Ljubljana Marshes (Ljubljansko barje), approximately 20 kilometers south of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Radiocarbon dating places the wheel's age between 5,100 and 5,350 years making it the oldest wooden wheel ever found.
The wheel measures about 70 centimeters in diameter and 5 centimeters in thickness. It is constructed from two ash wood planks joined with four cross braces, while the accompanying axle, approximately 120 centimeters long, is made of oak. The square aperture in the wheel indicates that the wheel and axle rotated together, suggesting it was part of a two-wheeled cart.
The wheel was unearthed at the Stare Gmajne site, a prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement in the Ljubljana Marshes. These settlements, built on stilts above marshy ground, date back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The Ljubljana Marshes have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 due to their archaeological significance.
After its discovery, the wheel underwent a meticulous preservation process to stabilize and conserve the ancient wood. It is now housed and displayed at the City Museum of Ljubljana, where visitors can view this remarkable artifact and learn about its historical context.
The Ljubljana Marshes Wheel provides invaluable insight into early human technological innovation. Its advanced construction techniques indicate a sophisticated understanding of materials and mechanics by prehistoric communities. This discovery also contributes to the ongoing discussion about the independent development of wheel technology in different parts of the world.
