Paper, as we know it today, was invented in China. While the ancient Egyptians did use papyrus, a material made from the papyrus plant for writing, it is distinct from the paper invented in China. The Chinese invention, attributed to Cai Lun in 105 AD, involved a process of macerating plant fibers (like mulberry bark and hemp) to create a pulp, which was then pressed and dried to form a sheet.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Papyrus:
The Egyptians used papyrus, a material made from the papyrus plant, for writing as early as 2900 BC, according to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Paper:
The invention of true paper, made from a pulp of plant fibers, is credited to Cai Lun in China. This innovation is dated to around 105 AD.
Distinction:
While both papyrus and paper are writing materials, they are made from different processes and materials. Papyrus is made from a plant's stem, while paper is made from a pulp of macerated fibers
