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Introducing Areni-1
Areni-1 cave is one of the best-preserved sites in the South Caucasus region and is home to discoveries that span human history.
Areni ExcavationsCyArk
Important Discoveries
The cave is most famous for the 2007 discovery of the earliest leather shoe, dated to over 5,000 years old. The cave also contains evidence of wine production, making it the oldest known wine making area in the world.
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U.S. Ambassador Mills Visits Areni-1 Cave by Cultural Heritage CenterCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Protecting Areni Cave
In 2013 the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation provided a grant to fund the installation of a protective fence at the site, installation of lighting and pathways to allow safe visitation, and conservation of the site to protect it from deterioration.
A tour visits Areni Cave as part of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation project by Cultural Heritage CenterCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Virtual Tour of Areni
In 2022, CyArk held a virtual storytelling workshop through the U.S. Community Heritage Exchange Initiative, with site managers, students, and local community members to create a 3D guided tour of the Areni Cave site.
As part of celebrating the efforts of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, CyArk held a virtual storytelling workshop with site managers, students, and local community members to create a 3D guided tour of the Areni Cave site.
Areni Cave Virtual Tour (2023) by CyArkCyArk
Discover Areni Cave
The project resulted in the creation of a guided virtual tour of the site based on a 3D model combined with video recordings and interviews by those trained as part of the storytelling training. Explore the virtual tour of the cave.
