In ancient Egypt the production papyrus paper was first used in 4000BC and once its rulers realized the importance of papyrus, its production was made a state monopoly and great lengths were taken to guard the secret of papyrus making. For ancient Egypt the discovery of papyrus revolutionized the way information and art was recorded and transformed ancient Egyptian society in many ways. The papyrus plant was also used to manufacture boats, rope and baskets and became one of ancient Egypt's major exports. Since the 11th century the art of transforming the papyrus plant into paper was lost, its production was considered so sacred and valuable to Egypt that it was never recorded.

It was not until 1966 that its secret was rediscovered by the Egyptian scientist Dr Hassan Ragab who reintroduced papyrus production to Egypt and started the first modern day papyrus plantation near Cairo Egypt. To the modern world the ancient papyrus has supplied a wealth of invaluable artwork, writings and information on our ancient Egyptian ancestors, including their lifestyle, religion, language and fashion.