In ancient times, people often used force to push or pull a heavy object over a long distance in their survival. Over time, people discovered a fairly simple form of lubrication, using mud and water to reduce their strength.

The invention of the wheel instead of a sliding motion resulted in less effort with the rolling motion.

This explains why bearings (bearings are a general term including sliding bearings and rolling bearings) only use rolling motion and are used for machines where metal slides on Metal causes significant wear.

The first machines used oil-soaked wooden bearings and steel shafts. Gradually as the manufacturing and metal industries developed, plain bearings were replaced by silver with rolling elements between two steel rings. This has reduced friction and increased the life of the silver.

Source: Collector