What finally happened to the Essenes?

The Essenes, an ancient Jewish sect known for their ascetic lifestyle and communal living, largely disappeared after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Many scholars believe that their practices and beliefs were absorbed into early Christianity, while others suggest that some Essenes may have fled to remote areas, such as the caves near Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The sect's decline was likely due to the Roman conquest, societal changes, and the rise of other Jewish groups, notably the Pharisees. Ultimately, the Essenes faded from historical records and their distinct identity was lost.