While da Vinci worked on improving ball bearings in the late 15^th century, their appearance in history dates back to ancient times with societies including the Romans and Chinese. While prehistoric civilizations show no use of rollers to move heavy objects, early civilizations displayed a clear knowledge of the advantages of rolling as opposed to sliding.

The Romans showed clear evidence of using rollers as early as 900 B.C. Rollers were commonly used when moving large stone columns for architecture purposes. Other archeological finds show the use of rudimentary thrust bearings (bearings that can handle both an axial and radial load), as well as objects who’s uses can only be speculated.

The Chinese also displayed use of rolling elements. Annular bronze objects which contained a number of internal compartments have been found that date back to 100 B.C. While the use of such objects remains unknown, it is strong evidence that China was also investigating the advantages of rolling over sliding.  

In contrast, there were no advances in roller technology during the Middle Ages. It is not until the Renaissance that inventors such as da Vinci focus on making many of the advances that have led to bearing technology today.

Source: Dowson, Duncan, and Bernard J. Hamrock. History of Ball Bearings. 1981.

Image: Dowson, Duncan, and Bernard J. Hamrock. History of Ball Bearings. 1981.