|
Papyrus is an early form of paper created from a plant of the same name. It originated in Ancient Egypt around 4000 BC. The use of papyrus for recording information quickly became widespread in Egypt and was the largest export of Egypt to the Mediterranean as well as South-western Asia and parts of Europe. By 800 AD, papyrus was being replaced by the use of parchment which was easier to make and more durable. An Arabic report is the last known example of papyrus writings although there are rumors of later writing by the Byzantine Empire but none yet have been discovered. Papyrus plants eventually stopped growing along the edges of the Nile River but have reintroduced to the area slowly since 1969.
|
|
|
Papyrus for writing is made by removing the pith, the soft spongy material from the middle of a plant’s stem, and cutting it into long thin strips. The strips are placed next to each with the edges overlapping a bit. Then another layer is placed exactly the same way but at an angle over the original layer. The layers are pounded together to form one layer and then rapidly dried and polished with a smooth object, possibly a stone.
If you have items like these for sale, you may advertise them on this page.
If you know additional helpful facts on this subject, contact us!
Go back to Glossary Main Page.
|
