Areni-1 cave, Archaeological cave complex in Vayots Dzor province, Armenia
Areni-1 is a cave system carved into limestone cliffs beside the Arpa River in Armenia's Vayots Dzor region. It contains multiple interconnected chambers where archaeologists have uncovered remains of ancient tools, storage vessels, and burial sites from several thousand years ago.
Archaeological investigations began in 2007, revealing that the site dates to the Copper Age between 5000 and 4000 BCE. This era marks a crucial transition when humans began using metals and developing more organized communities.
The cave served as an ancient winemaking center, visible through the presses and storage vessels left behind in its chambers. This reveals how people organized their daily work and food production in this remote location.
The site can be visited with a guide who explains the ancient winemaking techniques and points out where significant finds were discovered. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures inside the cave.
Inside the cave lies one of the world's oldest known leather shoes, preserved for over 6,000 years in the naturally cool environment. This discovery reveals how skilled ancient craftspeople were at creating durable items that survived the passage of millennia.
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