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The Greatest Inventions - The Wheel: Rolling Through History

The Greatest Ever

 The wheel—simple, ubiquitous, and yet one of humanity's most transformative inventions. In this episode of The Greatest Inventions, we explore the surprising origins of the wheel, from its first humble applications in ancient mines to its evolution into a symbol of power, mobility, and innovation. Discover how the wheel shaped early transportation, revolutionized warfare with the chariot, and became a catalyst for social change during the carriage revolution. We also delve into its profound influence on mechanical work, science, and even our understanding of the universe. Finally, we reflect on the wheel's enduring legacy and imagine the possibilities of its future. This is the story of how one seemingly simple idea transformed the course of human history.

Links to the main sources used in this episode:
A History of Mechanical Inventions by Abbott Payson Usher
The Evolution of Technology by George Basalla
The Wheel: Inventions and Reinventions by Richard Bulliet
Wheels, Clocks, and Rockets: A History of Technology by Donald Cardwell 

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