Inventions · Topic 4 of 54

Paper

Paper was invented in China around 105 AD by Cai Lun, who used bark and rags. Before paper, people wrote on clay, papyrus and bamboo.

💡 Fun fact

Paper later spread along the Silk Road to Europe.

All about Paper

Paper was invented in China around 105 AD by Cai Lun, an official at the imperial court. He made paper from tree bark, hemp, old rags and fishing nets, which were pounded into a pulp, spread on a screen and dried.

Before paper, people wrote on clay tablets, papyrus, bamboo strips and animal skins. Paper was cheaper and lighter, which helped spread ideas. Paper-making later spread along trade routes to the Islamic world and Europe.

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Real-life uses of Paper

Writing letters, stories and homework
Printing books and newspapers
Folding origami and making art

Frequently asked questions about Paper

What was paper made from originally?

Tree bark, hemp, rags and fishing nets, which were turned into a wet pulp.

What is papyrus?

A material made from the stems of the papyrus plant in Egypt, which was used for writing before paper.

How is paper recycled?

Used paper is soaked in water to break it into fibres, cleaned and then reformed into new paper.