105 BC

Events in 105 BC 1

• 105 BC Paper invented in China Cai Lun develops papermaking — the most transformative invention in history Although early forms of paper existed earlier, court official Cai Lun standardised and improved papermaking around 105 AD using bark, hemp, rags and fishing nets. Paper replaced heavy bamboo and silk as the writing medium of choice. It spread along the Silk Road to the Islamic world by the 8th century and to Europe by the 12th century, eventually enabling the printing press and the information revolution of the Renaissance.