The Han Dynasty Invents Paper 

by: Caroline O'Sullivan

      The people of the Han Dynasty have invented many different things. One of these inventions is paper. At first, materials lie turtle shells, animal bone, golden stone, bamboo slips, wood and cloth were used for paper (History of China). Paper was first invented in the western Han dynasty but was rough and thick. The paper had uneven texture because it was made from hemp fibers. However new paper was made so recording was easier. The second invention of paper had better quality and made many advances in Chinese civilization (China Culture).
     Cai Lun was said to be the one who invented paper in 105 A.D. This paper was inexpensive, light, durable, thin, and better for people to write on. Compared to the thick, rough, uneven paper made about one hundred years earlier, this new kind of paper was easier to use (China Culture). Since it was inexpensive, more thoughts were able to be written down and read. Ideas and inventions people had thought of were easily able to be passed from person to person. Paper also helped with advancements in literature and culture. More books, and important things like records were able to be produced and passed to the people (History of China).

This is a picture of Cai Lun who invented the paper in 105 A.D.
This picture can be found at http://www.history-of-china.com/han-dynasty/invention-of-paper.html