12,000-Year-Old Stones in Israel Reveal Early Rotational Technology

Researchers suggest these ancient stones were used as spindle whorls, predating the invention of the wheel by thousands of years.

The stones, discovered at the Nahal Ein-Gev II site in Israel, date back approximately 12,000 years and may represent one of the earliest uses of rotational technology.
Analysis indicates the stones were likely used as spindle whorls, tools that stabilize and enhance spindle rotation, aiding in the spinning of fibers into yarn.
Researchers used 3D modeling and practical experiments to confirm the stones' potential function, demonstrating successful yarn spinning with replicas.
The study highlights a significant technological milestone, suggesting these tools laid foundational mechanical principles for later inventions like the potter's wheel and cart wheel.
While some researchers express skepticism due to a lack of microscopic wear analysis, the study authors emphasize the stones' role in early technological evolution.