3,100 B.C. Egyptians begin hieroglyphic writing. 200s B.C. Parchment made from sheep or goat skin and the best parchment or vellum is made from calfskin. The oldest known printed book, a Buddhist scripture, was printed from wooden blocks. 105 A.D. Paper is invented in China. It is made from pulp of mulberry, bamboo, and other fibers.
Paper is made from rags in Europe.
Monks work only in natural light. The risk of fire from candles is too great a danger for the manuscripts. A German craftsman and inventor originates printing with movable type, a method used until the 20th century. Johannes Gutenberg begins working on his Bible project in 1452. It takes three years to complete.