Ur, Mesopotamia, 2500 BC

Wheel of Ur
Reconstruction: Museo del Sidecar, Cingoli (Macerata)
Materials: wood (poplar, elm), vegetable ropes, natural leather, copper, bronze, natural glues, beeswax

The model, which draws inspiration from the documentary sources in our possession, primarily the bas-relief of the Penn Museum from Ur, shows a wheel that was already improved compared to earlier examples. An acceptable size (about 70 cm diameter) was obtained thanks to its three-part construction. The trunk was cut lengthwise, and the three elements were held together by animal glue and ropes. Joints made with the technique of “mortise and tenon”, also used in boats, guaranteed additional locking. The hub was made of bronze and the rims of tanned ox hide to prevent decomposition.