In 1949 during an archeaological excavation in the Pazyryk Vallery in the Altai Mountians of Siberia, a discovery was made that would change the world of the Persian rug as we know it. Frozen in a perfectly preserved royal grave, an intricate carpet was unearthed. Radio-carboning dating places the piece back 2500 years, to the 5th c. B.C.. It is important to note the level of skill and intricacy displayed in the weaving indicate a long history of carpet-weaving tradition. This is the oldest complete carpet ever found. Although dubbed the "Pazyryk" carpet after the valley in which it was discovered, there has been some controversy over who exactly produced this incredible carpet. It was discovered in a royal, yet nomadic tribal grave; leading many to believe it is of nomadic origin. However the design is clearly Persian. So the question becomes: is it a nomadic rug with a Persian design, or a Persian rug acquired by nomadic people? After a close study of the design and style of weave, the general consensus seems to be that it was indeed woven in Achaemenid Persia, having migrated through trade to Siberia. Now on display at the Hermitage Museum in Leningrad, the Pazyryk carpet is an amazing testament to the advanced level of artistry and sophistication seen in the 5th century Eastern world. 

The Pazyryk Carpet; the world's oldest complete rug