The author examines a number of the published Old Aramaic inscriptions, and compares them with the Aramaic of Daniel according to a broad-based set of criteria; detailed literary, grammatical and lexicographical comparisons build a cumulative case for questioning both the unified character of Old Aramaic and the supposedly late character of numerous features in Old Aramaic. The author thus contributes to the discussion of whether Old Aramaic texts can be used for understanding the Aramaic of Daniel, on the one hand, while contributing to an evaluation of the debate concerning the origin of the Aramaic of Daniel on the other.