Egypt the melting pot for different cultures formed throughout its long history; has in particular an irresistible gleam for its ancient land and civilization.

Despite all the changes it came through, Egypt’s history has not being sub-merged as around every corner in Cairo and the ancient sites throughout the country there are constant reminders of the significant contributions made by the ancestors of each civilization.

Egypt added to the history and one of the eternal means that transmitted these additions through long centuries is the holly plant known as Papyrus that the Ancient Egyptians used to record their valuable information, victories and glories.

This plant was holly and sacred to the Ancient Egyptian because of two main reasons:

A - The stem of the plant has a triangular shape like a pyramid which was a symbol of eternity.
 

B - The flower of the plant looks like the rays of the sun which is the symbol of Ra’ the sun God.

Here is a little about the process of turning the Papyrus plant into paper:

1. The Papyrus paper is made of papyrus plant; its first use is believed to be on 4000 B.C. This plant grew along the Nile banks and reached high from 4 to 5 meters.

2. We use only the stem for making a papyrus paper, and cut it into pieces according to the size we require.

3. We remove the green cover that is very strong, and the Ancient Egyptian used for making baskets, sandals, chairs, small boats….etc.

4. For making the papyrus paper we only use the inner part and divide it into thin slices which are so weak and could be broken easily, accordingly we hummer them to be more flexible; and then use the roll to make it more flat. Then we put the slices in the water for six days to reduce the amount of the sugar in it, then bring two pieces of cotton and arrange the slices in vertical and horizontal lines to put them under the press for another six days. The Ancient Egyptian had not a modern press so they used two big stones, and finally we get a very strong and flexible Papyrus Sheet.

We have two kinds of papyrus, white one and brown one as this depends on how long it has been inside in water.