Throughout history, the materials we’ve used for writing have shaped how knowledge was recorded and preserved. Among these materials, animal skins—known as vellum and parchment—played a pivotal role.
Vellum and Parchment: A Craft of Animal Skins
Dating back to around 1500 B.C., the process of turning animal skins into durable writing surfaces was a meticulous craft. The skins were first soaked in limewater to loosen the hair, which was then carefully scraped off. After drying, the skins were polished smooth using a pumice stone, creating a material that could last centuries.
Vellum, the highest quality of these skins, came specifically from calves and was prized for its fine texture. Parchment, while still valuable, was considered inferior and was made from the skins of other animals, such as bulls and goats.
The Decline of Papyrus and the Rise of Vellum
Before vellum became the dominant writing material, papyrus was widely used. However, papyrus had significant drawbacks. It did not age well—too dry, and it would crack; too wet, and it would rot. These limitations made vellum a more reliable option by the 4th century, leading to the gradual replacement of papyrus.
This shift is particularly evident in the preservation of ancient texts. While the oldest fragments of the New Testament are written on papyrus, the fragility of papyrus explains why complete or nearly complete copies of such ancient texts are rare before the 4th century.
The transition to vellum marked a significant advancement in the durability of written records, allowing for better preservation of history and knowledge.