Rugs Throughout History

The actual history of the first rug ever made is clouded. As the textiles used in rug making weren't made to withstand the strains of time over thousands of years, no one has found actual evidence of rugs made prior to the fifth century B.C. There are historic documents, stories, and drawings of rugs more ancient than that time period, however.

The oldest rug ever found is the Pazyryk rug, discovered in the grave of a Scythian prince, dating back to the fifth century B.C. At 232 knots per square inch, this rug was woven in the Ghiordes (Turkish) style. The rug was preserved in ice, which explains why a good portion of the rug was found still intact.

Before the discovery of the Pazyryk rug, the oldest found specimens were from Turkmenistan - west of China and Mongolia. Some scholars believe the Mongolians started carpet-weaving first, yet others believe the Persians were making carpets and rugs long before the Mongolians picked up on the art. Either way, the Persian-made rug has been one of the most-coveted rugs throughout history. With exquisite craftsmanship, Persian rugs were made of the finest materials and by the most gifted craftsmen available. In fact, many were used as tapestries and wall-hangings instead of floor coverings.

Oriental rugs (those closest to the superior quality of Persian rugs), European rugs (successful recently with machine-made rugs), and North American rugs (consisting of Navajo, Native American, and American Indian rugs) are among other types of popular historical rugs.

Wool is the most common material used in carpet-making. Silk is another popular material, although silk wears much more quickly and is more expensive. Silk carpets and rugs are more commonly found as tapestries rather than being used as floor coverings.

With the advancement of technology, so has rug-making advanced. Rugs are now made of many different synthetic and natural materials - leading to higher durability. There are now rugs for every room of a house - including the outdoor spaces. Outdoor rugs are now commonly made of polypropylene - a stain-resistant and quick-drying material perfect for outdoor spaces. Duracord is another popular outdoor rug material - one with the softness of cotton. These remarkable materials, in addition to being durable, are very colorfast - retaining their beauty even while out in the elements.

No matter what your needs, you're sure to find the perfect indoor or outdoor rug right here!