Etruscan numerals

The Etruscan numerals were used by the ancient Etruscans. The system was adapted from the Greek Attic numerals and formed the inspiration for the later Roman numerals.

Related Topics:
Etruscan - Attic numerals - Roman numerals

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(* approximate shape of the symbols, because these are not included in the standard set available on the computer. In addition, a second shape used for 100 is an X with a vertical line going through its center - the symbol for 50 is the bottom half of it)

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There is very little surviving evidence of these numerals. Examples are known of the symbols for larger numbers, but it is unknown which symbol represents which number. Consequently, modern scholars disagree about many aspects of the Etruscan numerals. For example, a discourse is ongoing on the correct combination of the following numbers and associated words

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:2, 3, 4, 6

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:ci/ki, huth, ?a/sa/ça, zal/(e)sal

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Because the words feature on dice there is agreement about the fact that these are the numbers up to 6 (besides 1 and 5). The assignment depends on the answer to the question whether the numbers on opposite faces on Etruscan dice add up to seven, like nowadays.

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An interesting aspect of the Etruscan numeral system is that some numbers, like in the Roman system, are represented as partial subtractions. Examples are 17=20-3, 18=20-2, 19=20-1.

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