Why can the potter's wheel be considered one of the first mechanical breakthroughs in history?

The potter's wheel can be considered one of the first mechanical breakthroughs in history because it transformed the process of pottery-making by introducing a rotational mechanism, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. This innovation enabled potters to shape clay into uniform and intricate designs that would have been difficult to achieve by hand. The wheel not only increased production speed but also paved the way for advancements in other crafts and industries, influencing the development of tools and machinery. Its impact on both art and commerce marks it as a significant milestone in the evolution of technology.