Papyrus, one of the earliest forms of writing material, originated in ancient Egypt around 2500 B.C. and remained widely used throughout the New Testament period. Made from the papyrus plant native to the Nile Delta, papyrus was created by cutting thin strips from the plant’s stem, laying them in overlapping layers, and pressing them together. The result was a form of paper that, while more affordable than parchment, was less durable.
Papyrus scrolls were typically rolled out horizontally rather than vertically. They were about 10 inches in height and could extend up to 35 feet in length. The text on these scrolls was written in narrow columns, each about 2 1/2 to 3 inches wide, with just over half an inch of space between them. While most scrolls were written on only one side, the Bible’s book of Revelation mentions a scroll written on both sides: “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals” (Revelation 5:1).
Papyrus played a crucial role in preserving the written word in ancient times, serving as the medium for many significant texts that have shaped history.