Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. The first writing was invented millennia ago in ancient Mesopotamia, or what is now modern-day Iraq. What squishy, muddy material did these first scribes write on?
2. Papyrus is a paper-like material. It is made from the stems of the papyrus reed, which grows along the banks of the Nile river. Which ancient civilization wrote on papyrus?
3. The "paper" of Greek and Roman times, papyrus and parchment, was very expensive. Did they write on wax for scribbling and scratch work, since wax could be melted and reused?
4. The Romans also wrote short inscriptions on sheets of lead, a soft metal. These were called defixiones. What mean task were defixiones used for?
5. Writing is a very useful invention. But, not all authors have used writing to compose their works. Which of these famous books was written by a traveling singer who could not read or write?
6. In the Middle Ages, monks in monasteries produced beautifully illustrated copies of the Bible and other books, called illuminated manuscripts. The material they wrote on was called parchment. What is parchment made out of?
7. You probably write on paper. Paper is actually thin sheets of shredded and compressed wood pulp. Where was paper first invented?
8. Did the native people of Central America produce their own form of paper, called amatl, from tree bark?
9. On which Pacific island did the inhabitants write on wooden boards? You probably know this island better for its huge stone sculptures of heads.
10. Rulers, countries, and individuals can commemorate themselves with public inscriptions in stone. These are called monumental inscriptions. Where could you see a monumental inscription?
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