kilerhjul

Kilerhjul, also known as the "child's wheel" in English, is a pre-historic, usually single-spoked, wooden wheel discovered at various archaeological sites across Europe. The most notable examples of kilerhjul are those found at Skateholm in Sweden and Aunjetitz in Germany.

Kilerhjul wheels date back to the Early to Middle Iron Age, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 3rd century BCE. They were constructed of single wooden planks and were typically between 0.5 to 1.5 meters in diameter. The wheels were relatively simple in design and were not connected to axles like modern wheels.

Archaeologists believe that kilerhjul were used as sledges or carts for transporting goods, likely linked to chariots. The wheels' limited functionality and complex construction process suggest that they were used on softer surfaces, like marshy ground or sand, rather than on rocks or hard terrain.

Excavations of kilerhjul at Skateholm suggested that they may have been buried with their owners or used as offerings in pre-historic funerary practices. Another notable theory suggests that kilerhjul may have been used in a game of some sort. However, these hypotheses remain speculative and require further research and analysis.

For now, the primary function and purpose of kilerhjul remain unclear. Whether they were burial objects, playthings, or indeed a precursor to the modern wheel, more research is needed to understand the significance and context of kilerhjul in pre-historic European societies.