The ancient civilization most notably recognized for the invention of the wheel is Mesopotamia, specifically the Sumerians around 3500 BC. The wheel's invention marked a revolutionary advancement in technology, as it significantly improved transportation and trade. Initially, wheels were used for pottery making, but they later became crucial for chariots and carts, which transformed how goods and people moved throughout the region. This innovation played an essential role in the development of early urban societies, contributing to Mesopotamia's status as one of the world's earliest cradles of civilization, fostering advancements in agriculture, commerce, and culture.