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 <answer>silk</answer> in many applications, China could export <answer>silk</answer> in greater quantity, contributing to a Golden Age.
What material did paper replace upon its invention?
silk