From ancient times, domestic animals, such as sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes, horses, mules, donkeys and various birds, such as chickens, ducks, geese, etc., and wild animals such as wolves, foxes, bears, boars, lions, hares, deer, buck etc., were widespread. One can come across wild birds such as eagles, vultures, hawks, storks, and partridges. According to cuneiform sources, elephants, ostriches and lions existed in southern Armenia, which are also mentioned in the World Map (Ashkharhatsuyts).
Did You Know That…?
The world’s oldest leather shoe was discovered in Areni in 2008. According to archeologists, it is presumed to be cattle leatherthat dates back 5500 years. Such shoes were used by the native Irishmen nearly 50 years ago. The shoe was investigated by Armenian, Irish, US, Israeli, and British scientists and the age of the shoe was verified in laboratories in Oxford and California. When the shoe was first discovered, it was filled with dry grass, the purpose of which is not yet clear. The European shoe size of the shoe is 37. It has already been moved to the History Museum of Armenia. 6000 year old wine jars were also discovered in one of the caves in Areni in 2010. The wine jars date back to the same period as the burials. An astoundingly well-preserved grape vine, whose berries had turned to raisins, was discovered in one of the wine jars.
One of the world’s oldest dresses that dates back 5000 years was discovered on September 13th, 2011 in Areni. The dress is woven from sky-blue thatch and is well-preserved.
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Flora and Fauna