parchment is a stiff, flat, thin material made from the skins of animals that was used as a durable writing surface in ancient and medieval times. Parchment was also used for painting, and occasionally for printing and bookbinding. The name ‘parchment’ comes from the ancient Greek city of Pergamum (modern Bergama, Turkey), where parchment is said to have been invented in the 2nd century BC.

Sheep, goats and calves, and pigs are among the animal skins that were used to make parchment.