A collection of perforated pebbles from an archaeological site in Israel may represent a new key milestone in the development of rotational tools – including wheels – experts say.
More than a hundred of the mostly-limestone pebbles were unearthed at the Nahal-Ein Gev II dig site, featuring a circular shape perforated by a central hole.
They date back approximately 12,000 years.
Researchers believe these stones were likely used as spindle whorls – round, weighted objects that are attached to a spindle stick, allowing it to efficiently gather up fibres such as wool and spin them into yarn.
Oldest wheels or rotational tools found in Israel and date back 12,000 years
American Buddhist Net 