Roman numbering arose, as the name implies, in ancient Rome. There are seven basic symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. For the first time, these symbols began to be used between 900 and 800 BC. e.
The numbers were designed to be used as a general method of counting, necessary for the development of relationships and trade. Finger counts got out of hand, so to speak, when they reached 10 at the time of counting.
The meaning of Roman numerals
It is believed that the counting system was developed on the basis of the human hand.
One line, or I, symbolizes one piece of something, or, respectively, one finger. V was five fingers, in particular a V-shape made by the thumb and forefinger. X corresponded to two hands (connected at one point, they form two V).
However, the exact origin of these Roman numerals is unclear. Moreover, changes in their forms from the III century BC are well known. The origin of the Roman numerals presented above is based on the theory of the history of Roman numbering by the German scientist Theodor Mommsen (1850), which was widely recognized. However, the study of the inscriptions left by the Etruscans, who ruled Italy before the Latins, shows that the Romans adopted the Etruscan numerical system, starting from the 5th century BC. But there is a clear difference: the Etruscans read their numbers from right to left, and the Romans read them from left to right.
Roman numbering: numbers with a large value derived from other characters
M = 1000. Initially, the Greek letter phi - Φ represented this value. Sometimes it was represented as C, I and the inverse of C: CIƆ, which is remotely similar to M. Researchers consider it a coincidence that the Latin word mille is used to mean a thousand.
D = 500. The symbol for this number was originally the sign IƆ - half a thousand (CIƆ).
C = 100. The initial symbol for this number was probably theta (Θ), and later the letter C.
L = 50. Initially, the meaning of this symbol was considered as superimposed V and I or the letter psi - Ψ, smoothed so as to look like an inverted T. Then, in the end, it became like L.
How to read numbers
When roman numeration numbers are formed by combining different letters and finding the sum of these values. Numbers are placed from left to right, and the order of the numbers determines whether values are added or subtracted. If one or more letters are placed after a letter of higher value, then the value is added. If the letter is placed before the letter of a larger value, its value is subtracted. For example, VI = 6, because V is greater than I. But IV = 4, since I is less than V.
There are a number of other rules related to Roman numerals. For example, you cannot use the same character more than three times in a row. When it comes to deductible amounts, only degrees 10 are deducted, such as I, X or C, but not V or L. For example, 95 is not VC. 95 is designated as XCV. XC is 100 minus 10 or 90, so XC plus V or 90 plus 5 is 95.
In addition, only one number can be subtracted from another. For example, 13 is not IIXV. It is easy to understand how the line of reasoning is built: 15 minus 1 minus 1. But, following the rule, XIII, or 10 plus 3, is written instead.
In addition, you cannot subtract a number from a number that is more than 10 times larger than the original. That is, you can subtract 1 from 10 (IX), but you can not subtract 1 from 100, there is no such number as IC. Instead, write XCIX (XC + IX or 90 + 9). For large numbers in thousands, a line placed above a letter or a string of letters multiplies the value of the digit by 1000.
Biggest numbers
The oldest noteworthy inscription, containing Roman numbers representing very large numbers, is on the Rostral Column (Columna Rostrata) - a monument erected at the Roman Forum to mark the victory in 260 BC over Carthage during the First Punic War. In this column, the 100,000 symbol, which was an early form (((I))), was repeated 23 times, amounting to 2,300,000. This illustrates not only the early Roman use of repeating symbols, but also the custom that extends to modernity: the use of (I ) for 1000, (I)) for 10000, (((I))) for 100 000 and ((((I)))) for 1 000 000. The symbol (I) for 1000 often appears in various other forms, including cursor ∞.
Disadvantages of the Roman Numbering System
These figures are not without flaws. For example, there is no symbol denoting zero, nor is it possible to calculate fractions. This made it difficult to develop a generally accepted complex mathematical system, and complicated trade. Ultimately, Roman numerals gave way to a more universal Arabic system, where numbers are read as one number in a sequence. For example, 435 as four hundred thirty five.
Using Roman Numerals
When the Roman Empire collapsed a thousand years later, Christianity continued to use the number system of this culture.
Today, Roman numbering appears in scientific works and even in movie credits. It is used in naming monarchs, popes, ships, and sporting events such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl.
Latin numbers are used in astronomy to denote moons and in chemistry to denote groups of the periodic table. They can be seen in the table of contents and manuscripts, since the Roman numerals of upper and lower case break up information into an easily organized structure. Music theory also uses Roman numerals in its notation.
These uses are explained by aesthetic considerations rather than functional goals. Visually, the Roman numeral numbers convey a sense of history and timelessness, which is especially true in watches.
The direct influence of Rome for such a long period, the superiority of its numerical system over any other simpler known in Europe until the 10th century, as well as the convincing strength of tradition explain the strong position that this system supported for almost 2000 years in trade, in scientific, theological and fiction. This had a great advantage in that for the mass of users it was necessary to remember the values of only four letters - V, X, L and C. Moreover, it was easier to see three in III than in 3, and see eight in VIII than in 8 , and, accordingly, it was easier to add numbers, that is, perform the most basic arithmetic operation.