7. Paper
Paper, invented in China, made its way to medieval Europe by the 12th century and quickly changed the face of communication. Unlike expensive parchment made from animal skin, paper was affordable and easier to produce. This accessibility allowed books, letters, and official documents to flourish, fueling literacy and record-keeping. Paper’s widespread use paved the way for later innovations like printing, fundamentally transforming how knowledge and ideas were shared across societies for generations to come.
