Although the wheel was not in use in Mesoamerica when the Spanish arrived, ancient Americans obviously had knowledge of it. Although it was apparently used for decorative rather than utilitarian purposes, the wheel was still a part of Mesoamerican culture.

Point

It is recorded in the Book of Mormon that the Nephites and Lamanites used chariots during the period between 100 B.C. and A.D. 20.

References: Alma 18:9, Alma 20;6, and 3 Nephi 3:22.

. . .

Conclusions

Voyagers from the Old World to the Americas would have had knowledge of the principle of the wheel.

The pottery wheel may have been used in Mesoamerica. A recent discovery proves that it was used in Peru where it was not previously thought to have existed.

Terracotta-wheeled objects were buried with the dead in Mesoamerican as well as in Old world cultures.

At least five methods of attaching an axle to a wheel were known in pre-Columbian America.

Small wheeled carts have been discovered which were undoubtedly patterned after larger models.

The wheel was a sacred emblem to the Indians and, for this reason, may have been considered “taboo” for utilitarian purposes.