CLEP Western Civilization Test Questions

Answer - A - It is generally believed that the Egyptians originated the manufacture of paper.

Key Takeaway: The word paper comes from the Egyptian word papyrus, which is a plant out of which it is believed Egyptians made the first paper as early as 3,000 B.C.E. Although Egyptians were using papyrus, though, the actual predecessor to paper that is in use today was discovered in China in the 2^nd century Han court.

As for the other items listed above, silk production originated in China, the concept of the numeral zero was discovered in India, and ziggurats were built by the ancient Mesopotamians.