Egypt: Old Kingdom Page

In the context of the (c. 2686–2181 BCE), "paper" refers to papyrus , the world's first writing material . While true paper was later invented in China, the Egyptians pioneered the use of the papyrus plant to create a durable, flexible surface for record-keeping and literature. The Invention of Papyrus

It was made from the pith (inner marrow) of the Cyperus papyrus plant, which grew abundantly in the Nile Delta. Egypt: Old Kingdom

Papyrus was essential for the , enabling the management of the vast resources required for monumental projects like the pyramids. In the context of the (c

Egyptians sliced the pith into thin strips, layered them in a crosshatch pattern (horizontal and vertical), and pressed them together. The plant's natural sap acted as an adhesive to bond the layers into a single sheet. The Invention of Papyrus It was made from