
10/08/2025
A 5,500-Year-Old Leather Shoe Discovered in Armenia’s Areni Cave
Archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in Armenia’s Areni Cave—a 5,500-year-old leather shoe, considered one of the oldest pieces of footwear ever found. Incredibly well-preserved, the shoe survived thanks to the cave’s cool, dry climate and an unlikely protector: a thick layer of sheep dung that sealed it from decay.
Crafted from a single piece of leather and stuffed with grass for cushioning, the shoe reflects both practicality and craftsmanship. Measuring about a European size 37 (U.S. size 7), it showcases the ingenuity of early societies in designing footwear that was durable yet comfortable.
Excavations at the cave also uncovered storage containers filled with grains such as wheat and barley, along with apricots and other plants. Together, these finds provide a vivid glimpse into the agricultural practices, diet, and daily life of Copper Age communities in the region.