Aramaic scripts

Aramaic scripts refer to writing systems used for the Aramaic language, which was widely spoken in the ancient Near East. Originating around the 10th century BCE, Aramaic evolved from Phoenician script and influenced several other scripts, including Hebrew and Arabic. The most common form, the square script, became prevalent in Jewish communities. Aramaic was the lingua franca of various empires and is historically significant because parts of the Bible, notably some books in the Old Testament, were written in it. Understanding Aramaic scripts helps scholars study ancient texts and cultures, reflecting a rich linguistic heritage.