Aramaic is an ancient Semitic language that originated around 1200 BCE in the Near East. It was widely spoken by various peoples, including the Babylonians and Assyrians. Over time, it became the common language of the region, especially during the Achaemenid Empire, and was used in trade, administration, and literature. One of the most notable aspects of Aramaic is its connection to Judaism. Parts of the Hebrew Bible, such as the books of Daniel and Ezra, were written in Aramaic. Additionally, it is believed that Jesus and his disciples spoke a dialect of Aramaic, making it an important language in the study of early Christianity.