1. The width of a handmade rug determines the size of the workforce. One weaver can complete a narrow rug     while it takes eight to ten weavers for a wider rug. 2. The value of a rug is dependent on the closeness of the weave. The more knots per given area, the more     valuable the rug. 3. Antique rugs are prized for there beauty and rarity. 4. Rugs are named for towns or villages of its origin. 5. Experts contend that 5,000 years of commerce on the “Silk Road” resulted in similarities between Chinese and     Islamic arts in Oriental rugs. For example, elements of Han Dynasty art can be found in some Persian carpets. 6. Persian King Cyrus II may have introduced rug making to Persia after his conquest of Babylon in 540-538 B.C. 7. The earliest known knotted rug, the Pazyryk carpet, was discovered by a Soviet archaeologist in the Altai     Mountains and is thought to be over 2,500 years old. 8. During a renovation of Corfe Castle, King John of England insisted on embellishing the residence with Persian     rugs. 9. Ownership of oriental rugs was considered a sign of rank, prestige and privilege. 10.Oriental rugs were considered a commodity of ransom throughout Europe and were used on several occasions      to free high ranking prisoners. 11.Museums commonly exhibit oriental and Persian rugs. The following is just a few of the museums that have      showcased these valuable treasures:      * Textile Museum, Washington DC      * Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York      * Philadelphia Museum of Art      * National Museum in Teheran      * Boston Museum of Fine Arts      * The Maltwood Art Museum and Gallery at the University of Victoria      * Victoria and Albert Museum, London