* Origins: The roots of Sanskrit can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European language, which is believed to have been spoken around 4500-2500 BCE in the Pontic-Caspian Steppe.
* Oldest Texts: The oldest surviving texts in Sanskrit are the Vedic hymns, which are estimated to date back to around 1500-1200 BCE.
* Classical Sanskrit: This form of Sanskrit, which became standardized and used in literature, philosophy, and religious texts, emerged around 500 BCE.
* Continued Use: Sanskrit remained a vibrant language for centuries, used in various fields, including literature, philosophy, science, and religion.
Therefore, while the origins of Sanskrit are ancient, its use in its recognizable, classical form dates back to around 500 BCE.
It's important to note that Sanskrit is not a "dead" language. Though not widely spoken as a native language, it is still used in religious ceremonies, scholarship, and education, making it a language with a rich and ongoing history.