Papyruses are one of the oldest forms of writing known to man. Deriving from ancient Egypt, papyruses are an important part of history, associated with some of the most influential cultures of the past. Papyrus is not just a piece of paper; it has a rich and varied history. The most commonly established idea of papyrus is its use as the medium for writing on by the ancient Egyptians. Egypt itself relied on this form of paper. The papyrus was made from stems of the Cyperus papyrus plant, a species which grew along the banks of the River Nile. Papyrus would be formed by cutting the stems into thin strips, soaking them and then layering them into a brick in a cross-hatched pattern. Once dried, it would be finely hammered, creating a smooth writing surface. Using papyrus was an important part of life in ancient Egypt. It was a medium in which literature and records were kept, crucial in preserving a culture. Papyrus also remained in use until around the tenth century, in many other cultures, including Rome. This legacy has had a huge impact on our greatest contributions to knowledge, such as the Code of Hammurabi and the Nag Hammadi library. The use of papyrus has not been completely forgotten. It remains in use today, in some parts of the world, and is present in the art of calligraphy. Papyrus is widely available as a souvenir or decorative item, giving modern day people an opportunity to appreciate this remarkable form of writing paper. As a result, papyrus is still seen as a deeply significant and beautiful representation of ancient history.