Falconry is globally recognized as the oldest form of hunting that remains relatively unchanged for millennia. The earliest evidence of falconry can be found in the Fertile Crescent, dating to 5500 BP, and some hypothesize it was in practice much earlier.
In any event, falconry has existed throughout the old world, in all cultures, for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Human culture – language, tradition, equipment – has coevolved with falconry. In recognition of its significant cultural contributions, falconry was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Falconry has changed little in thousands of years.
Falconry in ancient Anatolia
Raptors hold a significant place throughout Indigenous cultures of the Americas, although there is no consistent archaeological evidence or known oral histories that suggest falconry was a cultural practice in the new world prior to European contact. Falconry in the Americas spread with settler culture and traditions. Known history of falconry practice varies between countries and regions in the New World, and is captured more fully by AmFalCon sites national and regional sites.