CHINA’S claim to have invented paper was strengthened yesterday when archaeologists announced a discovery that suggests it was in use at least 100 years earlier than thought.

A scrap of paper made from linen fibre was found by archaeologists picking through an ancient rubbish tip at the Yumen Pass, the gate between China and Central Asia.

Measuring only 1.6sq in, it is believed to have been made in 8BC, or 113 years earlier than the first known paper. Fu Licheng, the curator of the Dunhuang Museum, said: “This is very important evidence to show that paper was invented in China.?? (more)

The piece concludes with this fact:

The first Arab paper industry was founded in Baghdad in AD793 and they, too, kept the process a secret. The invention did not reach Europe until about the 12th century.

(via Fortean Times Breaking News for August 2006 (the latter link won’t work until they create it, presumably in September)