When did cuneiform writing end?

While cuneiform writing declined gradually over a long period, it didn't have a single definitive end date. Here's a breakdown:

* Practical Use: Cuneiform began fading from everyday use around the 4th century BC. This is when the rise of the Aramaic language and script led to its gradual replacement for administrative and commercial purposes.

* Religious Use: However, cuneiform continued to be used for religious purposes for a longer period, even after the adoption of other scripts. For example, it was still used in some areas until the 1st century AD.

* Last Known Examples: The very last known examples of cuneiform writing are found on clay tablets from the 3rd century AD, discovered in the region of Dura Europos.

So, while cuneiform declined around the 4th century BC, it lingered in religious contexts for a few centuries more.