Papyrus, also known as the paper plant, was cultivated and collected in the Nile delta region in Egypt. The Egyptians cut the stalks into thin strips and dried them. The dried papyrus strips were then used as a smooth, thin writing material.
Though most predominantly used as paper, the ancient civilization also made cloth, sails, mats and other items.
The Greeks adopted the Egyptian practice and its usage was prevalent in the Roman Empire. Source: Britannica Encyclopedia
