Answer: Papyrus
Some extra relevant information:
Egyptians made paper from a material called papyrus. Papyrus is derived from the papyrus plant, which grows abundantly along the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. The plant is a type of aquatic sedge that has tall, sturdy stems. These stems were sliced into thin strips and then layered horizontally and vertically, creating a crisscross pattern.
To make papyrus paper, the sliced papyrus stems were soaked in water to soften them and allow the fibers to separate. The fibers were then pounded to remove excess water and promote adhesion. The resulting pulp was laid out in thin layers on a flat surface, with each layer slightly overlapping the previous one. Lastly, the layers were pressed together and left to dry under the weight of heavy objects.
The dried papyrus paper had a distinctive yellowish-brown color and a rough texture. It became a vital writing material for the ancient Egyptians, serving as a precursor to modern paper. The Egyptians used it to record important documents, religious texts, and everyday writings. Papyrus was also employed for creating art, such as illustrations and paintings.
Egyptian papyrus was not only a practical material but also had significant cultural and historical value. Its availability and durability contributed to the preservation of ancient Egyptian knowledge and literature. Today, examples of papyrus documents can be found in museums around the world, providing valuable insights into the civilization that thrived along the Nile thousands of years ago.