![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
In 1600 BCE, ancient Mayans used latex off of rubber trees in order to make rubber balls, hollow human figures, and as bindings used to secure axe heads. By mixing it with juices from the morning glory, they created a black substance about the texture of a gum-type pencil eraser that was more durable and elastic. Rubber balls created by the Mayans were used to play a ritualistic game called Tlachtlic, which had religious significance according to the Popul Vuh.
![]() |
![]() |
The existence of natural rubber made from the latex of the rubber tree was sold from nations in South America and Africa to the rest of the world later became obsolete with the inventions of synthetic rubber created in nations such as Finland, America, and various Asian nations.

Rubber was introduced in France in 1736, where many people grew fascinated with it. Sir Henry Wickham collected about seventy thousand rubber tree seeds in Brazil in 1876 and took them to the East Indies where he started rubber plantations.

Christopher Columbus brought back samples of rubber to Queen Isabella after his return from the Americas by way of ships.

Products that were made from rubber are rubber wheels (tires), pencil erasers, rubber gloves, and shoes

Tire companies such as the one started by Charles Goodyear provided many jobs for workers within their factories.

Rubber became valuable when tires for cars were needed. Companies such as Michelin and Goodyear needed rubber for their tires. Other products also required the use of rubber such as gloves and certain machinery.

Products created by rubber, such as the tires, helped aid in the advancement of various other products throughout the world, such as the automobile. It also was used to increase the use and efficiency of shoes as well as various other products

![]() |
![]() |





