The wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow was invented in ancient China during the Han Dynasty, around the 1st to 2nd century AD. Its invention is often attributed to a famous military leader named Zhuge Liang, who used it in war to transport supplies and injured soldiers. He called his design the "wooden ox" because it helped soldiers carry large amounts of food and gear, making it easier to feed and support troops during long campaigns.

The wheelbarrow had a simple but effective design. It featured a single wheel in the middle and handles on the sides, allowing one person to push heavy loads with less effort. This invention became an essential tool in farming, construction, and even the military. Farmers used it to move crops and tools more efficiently, and builders transported heavy materials for large construction projects like the Great Wall of China.

The Chinese wheelbarrow helped make work easier and faster, leading to the growth of cities and trade networks across the empire. Over time, the design spread to other parts of the world, although it was used in Europe much later.