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Cyperus papyrus: Use in ancient Egypt
In the time of the pharaohs, large quantities of the sedge Cyperus papyrus
grew along the banks of the Nile River. The ancient Egyptians used them to build
reed boats, as well as to make papyrus. This proto-paper is easy to make. The outer
layer of the long stem is removed, revealing a white, air-filled, sponge-like pith.
This pith is soaked in water for several days, then cut into strips, beaten, and
rolled flat. While still wet, the strips are arranged crosswise in two layers,
pressed flat, and dried. The pulp contains starch that glues the layers together.
The earliest papyri date from the third century B.C., and their usage continued
through Roman times. The term “papyrus” was later used to refer to another writing
material, our modern paper. But that’s another story …
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Cyperus papyrus: Use in ancient Egypt (MP3, 407 KB)
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