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The Transformation of Writing in the Pergamon Library
The invention of writing is considered a major turning point in human history. As a tool for recording and transmitting knowledge, writing initially relied on materials like clay tablets, stone slabs, and papyrus. Around 2400 BCE, papyrus became the most widely used writing material. The papyrus plant, which grew along the banks of the Nile River, had a leafless, triangular stem that the Egyptians transformed into a writing surface. For many years, papyrus provided a foundation for books and texts, and Egypt became a global center of information and culture through its papyrus trade.
With the popularity of papyrus, Egypt experienced a cultural and scientific renaissance, particularly in Alexandria. The library in Alexandria, containing nearly a million papyrus scrolls, became one of the ancient world’s largest repositories of knowledge. Over time, competition between cultural centers intensified, and Alexandria’s Library found itself in a fierce rivalry with the Library of Pergamon in Asia Minor.
In the 2nd century BCE, competition between the Library of Alexandria and the Library of Pergamon reached its peak. During this period, a renowned scholar named Neleus held a rare and valuable collection of books in Athens, which he decided to auction off. The librarians of Alexandria and Pergamon both attended this auction. In a fierce bidding war, the Pergamon librarian eventually won, offering gold equal to the weight of the books. This event caused a significant stir not only in Greece but also in Egypt and Anatolia, highlighting the intensity of the cultural rivalry between these centers.
In response to Pergamon’s rise, the Egyptian Kingdom decided to restrict the papyrus trade, banning its sale to Pergamon. The director of the Library of Alexandria was dismissed, and Egypt tightened its monopoly on the valuable writing material. This sudden ban placed Pergamon in a difficult position, creating a crisis in the availability of writing materials. In response, King Eumenes II of Pergamon issued a decree, offering a reward to anyone who could find an alternative to papyrus.
To address this crisis, an artist from Sardis named Krates took up the challenge of creating a new writing material. After various experiments, he produced a durable, writable surface made from specially prepared calfskin. King Eumenes II approved of this innovative material, which soon became known as “parchment.” Compared to papyrus, parchment was more durable and longer-lasting. This new medium not only resolved Pergamon’s crisis but also strengthened its position as a cultural and intellectual center.
With the help of his assistant Irodikos, Krates refined the parchment-making process by splitting the skins into thinner layers, making them more versatile and easier to use in book production. This material, initially called “Pergamon Paper” or *Charta Pergamena*, eventually became widely known as "parchment" in languages around the world. The first parchments were made from goat hides, and later, skins from stillborn goats and lambs were used.
The invention of parchment elevated the prestige of the Library of Pergamon, which became a vital center of knowledge and culture in the ancient world. The Pergamon Library was more than just a repository of knowledge; it was a place where new ideas were born and shared with the public. People in Pergamon treated written documents with reverence; any written paper found in the streets was carefully stored, sometimes hidden inside tree hollows to protect it. Wisdom was preserved on parchment, ensuring its endurance through the ages.
Though oral culture held a strong influence in Pergamon, writing was essential for capturing wisdom in a lasting form. Speech required oratory skill, while writing constrained it into a lasting record. As the proverb says, "Words fly, but writing remains." Words not committed to writing would eventually fade away, while those preserved on parchment would reach future generations.
The Library of Pergamon was not only a storage place for books but also a sanctuary of wisdom and virtue. Writing, as a vehicle for knowledge, was reborn in Pergamon, opening new horizons for humanity. Parchment, with its innovation in preserving and disseminating knowledge, stands as a testament to the legacy of this ancient center. Today, Pergamon reminds us of the enduring importance of preserving culture and knowledge. This ancient city, a true realm of writing, demonstrates the profound impact of transforming knowledge into a permanent, timeless form for future generations.
Wed, Nov 13, 2024 3:06 PM
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