The Invention Of Paper: The Invention Of Ancient China

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If it were not for the invention of paper, millions of ancient documents would be unknown today. This innovation was the most important and amazing development of ancient China. Why you ask? Paper is a material that is used to disseminate information through written communication. It is derived from the word papyrus from a plant found along the Nile River in Egypt. In global cultural development, paper was the key element for advancement. In various places around the world, people had similar items to write on, but unlike the paper we use today, the ancient Chinese used bone, stone, and wood. This made it extremely heavy to carry. They tried wooden scrolls made out of bamboo, but carrying this was tiring. They even tried silk, but this was very expensive and not everyone could afford to purchase it. Finally, the inventor of paper came along, and life became easier. To begin with, the inventor of the paper was a man by the name of Cai Lun. He was born in Guiyang, China during the Eastern Han Dynasty in 50 C.E. During his older years, he served as a court eunuch and became a paperwork secretary. Before his invention, ancient China tried bark, fishnets, seaweed, rice, straw, grass, and numerous other things to make paper out of. The day came in 105 C.E. when Cai …show more content…

Can you imagine life without it? This was one of China's biggest contributions for human civilization. From the spread of it to the contributions and development of it, Cai Lun changed the world. All of the wonderful things we have today would not be possible if not for this man. This innovation is considered to be one of the four greatest inventions of ancient China. The countless uses for paper could go on forever. Once heavy and thick in the beginning, to perfected, refined, and mass produced today, this truly is a significant product that the whole world should be grateful and thankful for. Cai Lun is a true

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