Antique rugs were pioneered by in Persia (modern-day Iran) more than 2,500 years ago. Carpet weavers used wool and cotton fibers to individually knot and weave elaborate rugs. In addition, they were dyed elegant combinations of colors using natural vegetable dyes. These rugs are so durable that many still exist today in very good condition. Modern rug making has been largely industrialized, so hand-woven rugs are even more valuable to antique collectors. The earliest known Persian rug was discovered in Siberia in 1949 by a Russian professor named Rudenko. It dates from the fifth century BC and is now housed in Leningrad at the Hermitage Museum. Through the years, the rug makers started using synthetic dyes and other fabrics such as silk to weave these rare treasures. Today, Iran still produces more rugs than all other rug-making countries combined. Many native Iranians invest their life savings in ancient and modern Persian rugs (frequently called an Iranian's "stocks and shares"). There are huge underground cellars of antique rugs in Tehran's marketplace. Palaces, government buildings, and wealthy homes boast numerous hand-crafted Persian rugs. In fact, it's a rare modern home that doesn't have at least a runner of some sort. The luxury associated with these pieces has caused them to be coveted for centuries. Other Uses
Besides being used as furniture, a Persian rug acted as an alternative to writing for illiterate tribesman in Iran. They would weave in their tales in pictures and use bright colors to symbolize joy and life altering events. Thousands of Muslims also use the smaller rugs as prayer mats.
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