This history of leather conveys just how fascinated people were regarding the many uses of leather. Leather transcends time and class. Ancient empires, Victorian England and working class people have used it.  During the Roman Empire, Caesar's troops sailed across the seas, their ships capturing the wind in sails made of leather. Leather has been in widespread use since its first introduction in 3000 BC by the Egyptians. They are credited for discovering leather as an excellent material for use in battle and household furniture. It was utilized for tents and weapon carriers as well as body armor.  As early as 4000 years ago, Egyptian women prized leather for fashion.Trading parties found the hunters of the Nile Valley willing to trade their panther and leopard hides for beads and fabrics. Small barges transported the hides hundreds of miles upriver to the waiting designers of the Egyptian fashion world.  Many civilizations, including Ancient Greece and Rome continued to explore many uses for leather. Goatskins were used to make maps, and hand. stitched pigskins were filled to carry drinking water.  Arabs settling in Spain introduced decorated.leather to the region. The wall hanging of Cordova enjoyed international renown. In the 15th century, Spanish leather was used to cover walls and floors and to upholster armchairs and sofas. In England, during the 16th century, leather entered a romantic period during the time of  Elizabeth I and Shakespeare. In the pubs, people drank out of handmade leather mugs, and leather hats and tunics became popular.