 One chief difference between ancient sheep and modern breeds is the technique by which wool could be collected . Primitive sheep can be shorn , but many can have their wool plucked out by hand in a process called " rooing " . <unk> helps to leave behind the coarse fibers called <unk> which are still longer than the soft fleece . The fleece may also be collected from the field after it falls out naturally . This rooing trait survives today in unrefined breeds such as the Soay and many Shetlands . Indeed , the Soay , along with other Northern European breeds with short tails , naturally rooing fleece , diminutive size , and horns in both sexes , are closely related to ancient sheep . Originally , weaving and spinning wool was a handicraft practiced at home , rather than an industry . Babylonians , Sumerians , and Persians all depended on sheep ; and although linen was the first fabric to be fashioned in to clothing , wool was a prized product . The raising of flocks for their fleece was one of the earliest industries , and flocks were a medium of exchange in barter economies . Numerous biblical figures kept large flocks , and subjects of the king of Israel were taxed according to the number of rams they owned . 
