Standard Roman chariot theory fails multiple tests

Standard Roman chariot theory fails multiple tests. Standard explanation: Roman chariots/wagons using same tracks repeatedly Challenges: No raised material pushed up alongside ruts Challenge: No hoof prints in between parallel tracks

The standard explanation for cart ruts: Roman chariots wore them down. But this theory has problems. Archaeological experiments failed to recreate these grooves by dragging wagons over limestone. Major issue: no raised material was pushed up alongside ruts (where's the dirt?). No hoof prints between tracks. Different regions have different wheel gauges (not consistent with Roman standardization). And some ruts are a FOOT deep in solid rock - that would require enormous repeated passage volume.

Key Facts

• Standard explanation: Roman chariots/wagons using same tracks repeatedly
• Challenges: No raised material pushed up alongside ruts
• Challenge: No hoof prints in between parallel tracks
• Challenge: Ruts in different regions have different gauges - not consistent with Roman standardization
• Challenge: Some ruts are a foot deep in solid rock - would require enormous passage volume
• Previous archaeological experiments failed to recreate ruts by dragging wagons over limestone

Source: The Mystery of the Cart Ruts by The Randall Carlson