10-02-2014, 04:43 PM
I assume that by digits, you refer to what are usually called "Roman Numerals."
Roman numerals were probably partially inspired by those used by the Etruscan. However, their most basic origins probably lie in some sort of tally system. Single notches are used for with other formss (such as a V or X) being used to denote larger groups.
The modern system is usually called "hindu arabic numerals." This is because they were invented by Hindus, then adopted by Arabs. The Arabized Berbers then introduced to Spain, where they spread through Europe. They were introduced to Europe in the Medieval period and were initially popular with mathematicians, and slowly gained general acceptance. This might be my modern bias, but Hindu-Arabic numerals are certainly much easier to work with when doing math with large numbers. I believe that this explains why they have supplanted Roman numeral. Likewise, I assume nobody uses them, even RAT, because they are just too damn hard to work with! If we all put "CCXLVII CE" when meant "247 CE" it would just confuse everyone. We'd spend as much time converting numerals as posting!
Of course Roman numerals are still used for "formal" things like inscriptions on monuments and buildings. But this is matter of style, not because they are more suited to the task.
Roman numerals were probably partially inspired by those used by the Etruscan. However, their most basic origins probably lie in some sort of tally system. Single notches are used for with other formss (such as a V or X) being used to denote larger groups.
The modern system is usually called "hindu arabic numerals." This is because they were invented by Hindus, then adopted by Arabs. The Arabized Berbers then introduced to Spain, where they spread through Europe. They were introduced to Europe in the Medieval period and were initially popular with mathematicians, and slowly gained general acceptance. This might be my modern bias, but Hindu-Arabic numerals are certainly much easier to work with when doing math with large numbers. I believe that this explains why they have supplanted Roman numeral. Likewise, I assume nobody uses them, even RAT, because they are just too damn hard to work with! If we all put "CCXLVII CE" when meant "247 CE" it would just confuse everyone. We'd spend as much time converting numerals as posting!
Of course Roman numerals are still used for "formal" things like inscriptions on monuments and buildings. But this is matter of style, not because they are more suited to the task.
