Paper

A brief history of paper from ancient to modern.

Ancient writers wrote on a variety of materials besides papyrus, including pottery, animal hides, wood, metal plates, and even ancient paper. There was, to a certain extent, a progression over time from the use of papyrus to parchment and later, paper. The unique characterstics of each material often lended them particular uses which were maintained over the centuries.

Papyrus was the most common writing material used for all manner of public documents, private letters, literary and paralitery texts. Nevertheless, papyrus was expensive enough in ancient Egypt that it was often recycled and reused.

Parchment is a specially treated form of leather that is soft and durable, making it an excellent writing material. High quality parchment is sometimes referred to as vellum (from the Old French Vélin, for 'calfskin').

Paper was invented by the Chinese in the early part of the 2nd century AD. From China, paper travelled west in the 8th century to the Arabs, who then spread the use of paper through their conquests into Europe.