Papyrus was used a lot in Egypt. Papyrus was first used in 4000 BC. It is a reed that grows along the Nile and Lower Egypt. Papyrus was very expensive because it took so long to make. Papyrus is much thicker than paper. The word paper comes from papyrus. It is famous in Alexandria. It served several purposes. The most common purpose was paper. First  the Egyptians cut the reeds into 18 in. sections. Then they would roll and flatten. Last they wood smooth it. Most of the oldest books  are in papyrus. Doctors used papyrus to keep medical records on patients and medicines. The other purposes are mattresses, chairs,tables and boats. The plural of papyrus is papyri. <~~~~Here are some papyrus weeds. Bring me back to Egypt please!