The ancient civilization credited with developing the wheel is the Sumerians, who flourished in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. The invention of the wheel was revolutionary, radically transforming transportation and trade. Initially, the wheel was likely used for pottery-making, discovered independently before being adapted for vehicles. The earliest known use of a wheeled chariot in Sumer paved the way for advancements in transportation, agriculture, and warfare. This innovation dramatically improved the movement of goods and people across regions, facilitating the exchange of ideas and cultures. The wheel is considered one of the most important inventions in human history, influencing civilization's trajectory.