The tradition of carpet weaving predates written history and there is no proof of where or when the first carpets were made. Academics and experts will present theories, but it is very unlikely that the whole story of the development of this art will ever be known.

The oldest surviving pile carpet in the world is called the "Pazyryk Carpet", dating from 500 BC. It was excavated in 1949 from a Siberian burial ground where it had been preserved in ice in the valley of Pazyryk. The origin of this carpet is attributed to either the Siberian Turkic groups, Scythians or the Persian Achaemenids. This carpet is 6'6" x 6' (200 x 183 cm) and has 360,000 knots/mē

Today this 2500 year old rug is in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The carpet is highly sophisticated, with floral, geometric, and pictorial designs, indicating many generations of technique development. This legendary piece is excellent testimony to the durability of the weaver's art and it is worked in a style of knot that is still used today.