For the ancient Egyptians one of the most important plants was the papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), a flowering reed that grew on the banks of the Nile River and in its marshy delta. It could grow up to ten, feet tall and attain widths of around six to seven inces. The plant was used to make many products, from baskets and rope to footwear and bedding, and it could even be eaten. Papyrus was combined with plaster to make cartonnage, which was used to construct body-fitting coffins that were then painted. Hunters and fishermen plied Egyptian waters in small papyrus boats. The plant was so valuable that it was eventually cultivated and controlled by state monopoly. Products from the plant were exported throughout the region. By far the most notable use of the plant was as a "paper." Egyptians may have...