Papyrus

**1. History of Papyrus:**
– Papyrus was first manufactured in Egypt in the fourth millennium BCE.
– The earliest papyrus evidence was found in Wadi al-Jarf, dating back to c. 2560–2550 BCE.
– Papyrus scrolls faced competition from parchment in the first centuries BCE and CE.
– Codices replaced papyrus scrolls due to papyrus’ fragility and limited usability.
– Papyrus was gradually replaced by parchment and vellum in Europe.
– Papyrus stability in dry climates.
– Deterioration of imported papyrus.
– Attempts to revive papyrus manufacture.
– Modern papyrus production techniques.
– Contemporary use of papyrus.

**2. Etymology and Terminology of Papyrus:**
– The English word ‘papyrus’ comes from the Greek word ‘papyros.’
– Greek also uses the word ‘byblos’ for the plant.
– The term ‘biblos’ refers to the inner bark of the papyrus plant.
– ‘Papyrus’ is the root of the word ‘paper.’
– In Egyptian, papyrus was called ‘wadj w3ḏ tjufy’ or ‘djet.’

**3. Manufacture and Uses of Papyrus:**
– Papyrus is made from the stem of the Cyperus papyrus plant.
– The inner pith is cut into strips, placed overlapping, and hammered together.
– The sheets are dried under pressure and then polished.
– Papyrus sheets were used for various purposes like writing, boats, mats, and baskets.
– Papyrus quality varied, with different grades based on the writing surface.
– Manufacturing items in East and Central Africa.
– Making roofs, ceilings, rope, and fences.
– Use of papyrus as fuel.
– Communities deriving income from swamp goods.
– Making baskets, hats, fish traps, and mats.

**4. Documents and Collections of Papyrus:**
– Papyri are documents written on papyrus sheets, often rolled into scrolls.
– Historical papyri provide insights into ancient writings.
– Examples include the Egyptian Book of the Dead and medical treatises.
– Papyri are named after discoverers, owners, or institutions.
– The deciphering of charred papyri from Herculaneum is ongoing.
– Notable collections like the Heracles Papyrus, Amherst Papyri, and Berlin Papyri.
– Individual papyri such as the Brooklyn Papyrus and Saite Oracle Papyrus.

**5. Notable Papyrus Collections and Further Reading:**
– Chester Beatty Papyri, Colt Papyri, Herculaneum papyri, The Heroninos Archive, The Houghtons papyri.
– Sources and further reading materials related to papyrus, such as books and academic sources.
– External links for additional resources and information on papyrus.