Hieratic script, ancient Egyptian cursive writing, used from the 1st dynasty (c. 2925–c. 2775 bce) until about 200 bce.

Why was hieratic developed?

The Hieratic script was invented and developed more or less at the same time as the hieroglyphic script and was used in parallel with it for everyday purposes such as keeping records and accounts and writing letters.

What was hieratic writing first used for?

The Egyptians invented a cursive form of hieroglyphs known as hieratic, which was used primarily for writing with reed brushes, and later reed pens, on papyri and ostraca (fragments of pottery or stone used as writing surfaces). This system of writing was used alongside hieroglyphs for most of Egyptian history.