The invention of the wheel is credited to ancient Mesopotamian culture, particularly to civilizations in what is now modern-day Iraq. The wheel was developed around 3500 BC and significantly transformed transport and agriculture, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Initially used for pottery making, it later became integral to carts and chariots, revolutionizing trade and warfare. This innovation laid the groundwork for advancements in engineering and technology, influencing society profoundly and shaping the course of human development.