Roman Numerals

  • The Roman Numeral System is a Decimal Number System which was used in Ancient Rome and continued until c.1300 CE, after which it was replaced by Arabic Numerals.
  • Roman Numerals are still in use on watches, clocks and TV and Film credits. The Romans had no zero in their numbering system, instead they used the word ‘nulla’.

History of Numerals

  • The Etruscans used this system which was then adopted by the Romans.
  • The Greek numbers also followed a similar Decimal system.
  • Plutarch (c.46-c.120 CE), describes finger counting being used in Persia.

 

1-9   10-90   100-900   1000-plus
1 I Unus 10 X Decem 100 C Centum 1000 M
2 II Duo 20 XX Viginta 200 CC Ducenti 2000 MM
3 III Tria 30 XXX Triginta 300 CCC Trecenti 3000 MMM
4 IV Quattuor 40 XL Quadraginta 400 CD Quadrigenti 4,000 MMMM
5 V Quinque 50 L Quinquaginta 500 D Quingenti
6 VI Sex 60 LX Sexginta 600 DC Sescenti
7 VII Septem 70 LXX Septuaginta 700 DCC Septingenti
8 VIII Octo 80 LXXX Octoginta 800 DCCC Octingenti
9 IX Novem 90 XC Nonaginta 900 CM Nongenti
MDCCCLII 1852
MCMXCVIII 1998
MMDCCLI 2751

Hand Signal Theory

  • It is thought that the numerals represented the number of fingers held up on one hand:
    • 1 is I, 2 is II, etc., and 5 is V, the shape of the four fingers held together with the thumb apart.
    • 6 is VI using the second hand to add a finger, until 10 is X consisting of crossing the two index fingers of both hands.
    • L, C, D and M are all shapes that can be made with one hand or by two hands.

Chinese number gestures

  • The Chinese still use this method today, with variations from one region to another, but using one hand only for all numbers 1 to 10, using the fist to signify zero or 10.

Tic Tac

  • The now defunct signalling language of Bookmakers at the Horse Races in the UK. The method involved using white gloves to communicate the Odds, size of a Bet, which horse, etc.

Arbing

  • Short for ‘Arbitrage’. This is a system of hand signals used between traders on the trading floor of stock exchanges, to communicate buy or sell orders. Palms in means Buy, Palms out means Sell.
  • Numbers 1-5, the hand is held out and upwards. Numbers 6-10, the same hand is held out sideways.
  • Blocks of 10, hand is held close to the head, blocks of 100’s and 1000’s are indicated by repeatedly touching the head with a closed fist.
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