In ancient times, books were not called books as we know them today. Instead, there were different terms used to describe the writing materials and methods that were used during those times. Let’s take a closer look at what books were called in ancient times.
Papyrus:
One of the earliest forms of writing material used in ancient times was papyrus. Papyrus was made from the pith of the papyrus plant, which was abundant in Egypt.
The plant was cut into thin strips, which were then layered and pressed together to form a sheet. These sheets were then used for writing and drawing.
Scrolls:
One of the most popular forms of writing during ancient times was the scroll. Scrolls were made by attaching multiple sheets of papyrus together and rolling them up into a cylindrical shape. The scroll could then be unrolled as needed to read or write on it.
Codex:
Another form of book that was used during ancient times is known as a codex. A codex is essentially what we would recognize today as a book with pages bound together on one side. However, instead of being made from paper, they were made from parchment or vellum, which are animal skins that have been specially prepared for writing.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, books were not always referred to as books in ancient times. Instead, there were different terms used depending on the materials and methods that were used for writing and creating them. From papyrus scrolls to parchment codices, these different forms of written communication have all contributed to shaping our modern understanding of what constitutes a book today.
- Key Takeaways:
- Books in ancient times had different names based on their materials and methods.
- Papyrus scrolls and parchment codices are two examples.
- These different forms of written communication have contributed to shaping our modern understanding of what constitutes a book today.
With this knowledge in mind, it’s fascinating to consider how these ancient forms of writing have influenced the development of books and literature throughout history.