Paper History - Early Origins, Techniques and Uses
Only few short centuries, paper was rare, expensive and was used only for notes, letters and even more expensive books. Today, paper is all around us and we are in contact with it every day. If you have wondered how that came to be read all about paper history.
The Early Origins of Paper
History of Paper started in ancient china with the inventions made by Cain Lun (50 – 121 AD), who enabled faster and more reliable production of this highly valuable material. Spreading all across china, paper eventually arrived in Arab countries and during Crusades, in Europe. Jump in here to read more about it.
Timeline of Paper
From the moment the first papyrus paper was created in Ancient Egypt to the proliferation of modern paper machines in Europe, paper managed to have strong impact on our development and culture. If you ever wondered how paper traveled through our history, here is the perfect place to see it.
History of Papyrus
Papyrus is an ancient paper-like material that originated in Ancient Egypt and Syria, which alsmost single-handedly helped the rise of the first modern civilizations. Here you can read more about its rich history and the way it faded away from use when modern wood-based paper appeared.
History of Parchment
Parchment is a paper-like material created from the skins of animals. Today it is remembered as one of the primary mean of data collection from the moment Roman Empire started its rule to the arrival and proliferation of paper in 17th century AD. Read more about history of parchment here.
History of Vellum
Vellum is a high quality form of parchment, paper like material that was created from skins of animals for centuries in all around the world before arrival of Chinese paper. Here you can learn much more about it and how it was used in post-Roman history of Europe.
History of Paper Machines
History of paper machines started from the moment first Chinese paper recipes arrived to Europe in 11th century AD. From that point on more and more effort was placed on solving the riddle of easy and efficient paper production, with it finally being solved in early 19th century with famous Fourdrinier paper machines. Find out more about history of those machines here.
History of Paper Mills
History of Paper Mills is a long one, and it went through several changes together with the evolution of the paper machines and paper industry. Today, paper mills are totally different than the ones created just 100 years ago, and here you can find out why.
