If we go through the history, area rugs are to be dividing into two parts: western and Asian. Rugs produced from china, Middle East, North Africa, India and central Asia constitute Asian rugs. At the same time, western rugs are derivation from the Asian one which used to be imported and became western tradition only after a long time.
Western traditional rugs were first made in Spain, Europe only in 12th and later centuries. These used to be imported too, but the basic distinguishing factor was the knot which was of single warp type. Mainly Islamic countries in Middle East used to export these things to the Europe. Western style rugs went to large scale production only after 500 to 600 years when France made its presence in Europe in its production. Using the techniques from the east, Aubusson and Savonnerie became two famous centers for producing carpets intending to be used in west. During the 16th and 17th centuries England made its presence felt across Europe by producing their area rugs. The prominent weaving centre across were Kidderminster, Wilton and Axminster. But the area rugs became inexpensive only when the machines came about. Carpets made from machine prepared it to be used for durability and utility and not for beauty.
It is still unclear that when exactly weaving did started but the experts believe that it must have begun before the 25th century B.C. in the country pyramids. Kilims are the name given to the flat rugs which was first produced in the Egypt and centuries later surfaced in the Great china.