The wheel was likely invented by the ancient Mesopotamian people around 4200 to 4000 BC. It was initially used as a potter's wheel before being adapted for transportation. Because the wheel was invented before records were kept, the exact individual or tribe who invented it is unknown. The invention may also have occurred independently in other regions such as China around 2800 BC and the Carpathian Mountains around 3900 BC. Early wheels were simple solid disks, evolving over time into spoked wheels by around 2000 BC in Anatolia (modern Turkey) for lighter and more effective use, especially in warfare. The development and adoption of the wheel were influenced by factors like road infrastructure and the domestication of animals capable of pulling wheeled vehicles.