When did man first use numbers?

The use of numbers by humans dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence suggesting that early counting systems emerged around 30,000 years ago. Archaeological findings, such as tally sticks and notched bones, indicate that ancient peoples used simple counting methods for trade, tracking time, and managing resources. The development of more complex numeral systems began with the Sumerians around 3200 BCE, who created the first known written numbers using cuneiform script.