The oldest known archaeological fragments of the immediate precursor to modern paper, date to the 2nd century BC in China. The pulp papermaking process is ascribed to Cai Lun, a 2nd-century AD Han court eunuch. With paper as an effective substitute for silk in many applications, China could export silk in greater quantity, contributing to a Golden Age.
Who is credited with the papermaking process? What material did paper replace upon its invention? Which Age did the invention of the papermaking process contribute towards? What century is the first papermaking process attributed to?