The invention of paper

PAPER was introduced to the Arab world long before it became available in Europe - and this partly accounts for the early development of Arabic literature.

Parchment or papyrus was generally used until the 8th century when the first Chinese paper was imported into Iraq, probably along the silk route via Samarqand. Shortly afterwards, the first paper mill was established in Baghdad, and others followed. By the end of the 10th century, paper had replaced parchment and papyrus in the Arab world.

The Muslim conquest of Spain brought paper-making into Europe. The English word "ream" (meaning 500 sheets) is derived through Spanish and French from the Arabic rizmah ("a bundle").