Areni-1 cave
The Areni-1 cave complex (Armenian: Արենիի քարանձավ) is a multicomponent site,[1] and late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age ritual site and settlement,[2] located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River.
Արենի-1 քարանձավ | |
![]() Panorama of the site along the Arpa River | |
![]() Shown within Armenia | |
| Location | Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia |
|---|---|
| Region | Armenian Highlands |
| Coordinates | 39°43′53″N 45°12′13″E |
| Length | 40 m (130 ft)[1] |
| History | |
| Material | Karst |
| Periods | Chalcolithic, Bronze Age |
| History of Armenia |
|---|
![]() Coat of Arms of Armenia |
| Timeline • Origins • Etymology |
Findings
In 2008, Armenian PhD student and archeologist Diana Zardaryan of the country’s Institute of Archaeology discovered the earliest known shoe at the site.[3] In January 2011, the earliest known winery in the world was uncovered in the cave.[4] Later, in 2011, the discovery of a straw skirt dating to 3,900 years BCE was reported.[5] In 2009, the oldest humanoid brain was discovered in the cave.[6]
Genetics
Three individuals who lived in the Chalcolithic era (c. 5700–6250 years BP), found in the Areni-1 ("Bird's Eye") cave were identified as belonging to haplogroup L1a. One individual's genome indicated that he had red hair and blue eyes.
Gallery
Chalcolithic leather shoe from Areni-1 cave
Entrance to the cave
Pathway to the entrance
View from the cave
The site in 2012, swallow nests on the ceiling of the entrance.
Swallow nests 2019
See also
Notes
- Metheny, Karen Bescherer; Beaudry, Mary C. (7 August 2015). Archaeology of Food: An Encyclopedia. ISBN 9780759123663. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
- "Areni-1 Cave, Armenia: A Chalcolithic–Early Bronze Age settlement and ritual site in the southern Caucasus". Research Gate. March 1, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
- "World's oldest leather shoe found in Armenian cave". Reuters. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
- Owen, James. "Earliest Known Winery Found in Armenian Cave." National Geographic. January 10, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2011.
- "5,900-year-old women's skirt discovered in Armenian cave". News Armenia. September 13, 2011. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
- Bower, Bruce (12 January 2009). "Armenian cave yields ancient human brain". ScienceNews.


