1. Gutenberg’s Printing Press December 14,2012

2. Johann Gutenberg Metal worker from Mainz, Germany Reinvents moveable type around 1440 Invents the printing press Using the printing press; he prints a completed Bible, known as the Gutenberg Bible It was the first full-sized book printed with moveable type

3. Similar Technology 2700 B.C.E. Egyptians write book on papyrus 300 C.E. Romans use parchment (treated animal skin) that are sewn together into books 800 C.E. Monks hand-write and hand-illustrate books 1045 C.E. Chinese invent block printing

4. Effects of the Printing Press Printing Press makes significant impact on Europe For the first time, printers are able to mass produce copies of single works Books are now cheaper to produce; many people can afford to buy books Printing spreads; 250 cities throughout Europe * New ideas spread quicker than ever * Encourage people to read; literacy rises dramatically * Writing in the vernacular (local) language, including the Bible * People begin to question the church’s teachings & practices; leads to the Reformation