The Path of Paper: New Evidence for the History of an Old Technology

A free public lecture re-examining the history of paper's migration using new manuscript, archaeological and archival evidence.

This lecture revisits the traditional east-to-west story of paper's diffusion, drawing on manuscript evidence and recent archaeological and archival discoveries that complicate established narratives. It is the first of the 2026 Sandars Lectures, a series titled 'Flax to Folio: The Global Diffusion of Early Paper and the History of Textiles'. The talk runs 5–6pm, is live streamed and recorded, and is followed by a drinks reception and display at the University Library until 7.30pm.