The ancient civilization known for its creation of the wheel is Mesopotamia, particularly the Sumerians around 3500 BC. This innovation fundamentally transformed transportation and trade, enabling more efficient movement of goods and people. The wheel facilitated advancements in various sectors, including agriculture, where it was used in carts to transport harvests, and in pottery, through the development of the potter's wheel. The invention reflects the Sumerians' ingenuity and significantly influenced subsequent civilizations, laying the groundwork for technological progress.