History of Carpets

In this episode, we trace the fascinating history of carpets from ancient handwoven treasures to modern machine-made floor coverings. Discover the remarkable Pazyryk carpet, one of the world’s oldest surviving examples, and explore how Persian, Turkish, Armenian, and European traditions shaped distinctive weaving techniques, patterns, and symbolic designs. We also follow the transformation of carpet production from labor-intensive wool weaving and hand-knotting to industrial manufacturing, including the rise of major production centers such as Dalton, Georgia. Along the way, we uncover how carpets evolved from practical textiles into enduring expressions of artistry, cultural identity, trade, and technological innovation.