Ancient Romans used Roman numerals as their numbering system.
It was founded by the Romans at around 8th to the 9th century B.C.E. which is relatively the same time as the establishment of the Roman Empire in Palatine Hill.
In addition, the Roman numerals also were essential in providing everyone a common method of counting which proved to be critical in various fields such as trade and communication.
What makes the Roman numerals quite historic is that it succeeded greater than the Roman era itself as it was utilized by everyone until the 14th century.
While the Roman numerals were adopted by numerous empires, the Roman numeral scheme showed some imperfections as there was no available figure to represent zero and no proper method for calculating above one thousand apart from including lines on the numerals to demonstrate multiples.
There are countless theories pertaining to the design of Roman numerals.
Several scholars believe that the numerals were gained from the record sticks that were utilized by herdsmen to keep tab of their cattle.
The theory suggests that herdsmen cut notches on their sticks, thereby, resulting in I becoming a solitary unit.
Another relevant theory concludes that the Roman numerals were remarks to hand gestures with I, II, and III bearing a resemblance to single fingers and V signifying a finger together and thumb out position.
Numbers ranging from six to nine, on the other hand, were characterized by a V in one hand and I, II, and III on the other while X was interpreted by intersecting the thumbs.
One | I | Eleven | XI | Thirty | XXX |
Two | II | Twelve | XII | Forty | XL |
Three | III | Thirteen | XIII | Fifty | L |
Four | IV | Fourteen | XIV | Sixty | LX |
Five | V | Fifteen | XV | Seventy | LXX |
Six | VI | Sixteen | XVI | Eighty | LXXX |
Seven | VII | Seventeen | XVII | Ninety | XC |
Eight | VIII | Eighteen | XVIII | One hundred | C |
Nine | IX | Nineteen | XIX | Five hundred | D |
Ten | X | Twenty | XX | One thousand | M |
What are the other uses of Roman Numerals?
Roman numerals are also used in astronomy to label moons and chemistry to specify groups of elements in the periodic table.
How did Roman Numerals contribute to the Roman Empire?
Historians believed that the Roman numerals played a critical part during the creation of architectures such as the Constantine’s Arch and the Colosseum, which all require significant mathematical skills.
How important were Roman Numerals?
The importance of Roman numerals cannot be underestimated as it enabled Ancient Romans to put a price to their goods and services.
What are the basic symbols of the Roman numeral system?
There are seven basic Roman numeral symbols which include I, V, X, L, C, D, and M.