answersLogoWhite

0

The Arabic (0-9) number system did not reach Europe until about 900 AD. Roman numerals date back to 1000 years BC and were the marks made on tally sticks and in stone. Their style was influenced by the Etruscan number system. They were originally quite different symbols from those in use today. In the middle ages they were aligned to the closest modern roman alphabet equivalent shape. Roman numerals were not just confined to whole numbers, fractions were indicated by a series of dots, each number and pattern of dots meaning a different part of the whole.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

DevinDevin
I've poured enough drinks to know that people don't always want advice—they just want to talk.
Chat with Devin
ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why Roman Numerals?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp