Civilizations & cultures6–8 · 9+
Papyrus: Paper from the Nile
Ancient Egyptians made paper from the papyrus plant!
Why?
Thousands of years ago, a tall plant called papyrus grew along the Nile. Ancient Egyptians found a clever way to turn it into something to write on!
They peeled the green stalks, cut the soft white inside into thin strips, and laid them side by side. Then they placed a second layer across the first one, pressed the sheet and let it dry. As it dried, the strips locked together into one smooth sheet, with no glue needed!
The oldest papyrus roll ever found is about 4,900 years old. And guess what? The English word “paper” comes from “papyrus”!
Try it
Make your own "papyrus" ✂️! Cut strips of brown or yellow paper. Lay some strips side by side, then lay more strips across them, and glue them together. When it's dry, write your name on it like an ancient Egyptian scribe!
Ask Mum & Dad
If you could write one message that people could read thousands of years from now, what would it say?