Here's what we know:
* Earliest Recorded Versions: The earliest known versions of Cinderella-like stories date back to ancient Egypt (around 1000 BC) and ancient Greece (around 600 BC).
* Grimm Brothers Version: The most famous version, by the Grimm brothers, was published in 1812, but it likely reflects earlier oral traditions.
* Charles Perrault's Version: Another famous version, by Charles Perrault, was published in 1697.
So, while there's no single definitive time period, you can think of Cinderella as a story that has been around for a very long time, reflecting timeless themes of hope, perseverance, and transformation.