Roman numerals

The system of Roman numerals is a numeral system originating in ancient Rome, and was adapted from Etruscan numerals. The system used in antiquity was slightly modified in the Middle Ages to produce the system we use today.

Related Topics:
Numeral system - Rome - Etruscan numerals - Middle Ages

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It is based on certain letters which are given values as numerals:

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:I or i for one,

Related Topics:
I - One

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:V or v for five,

Related Topics:
V - Five

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:X or x for ten,

Related Topics:
X - Ten

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:L or l for fifty,

Related Topics:
L - Fifty

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:C or c for one hundred (centum),

Related Topics:
C - One hundred

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:D or d for five hundred,

Related Topics:
D - Five hundred

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:M or m for one thousand (mille).

Related Topics:
M - One thousand

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For larger numbers (five thousand and above), a bar is placed above a base numeral to indicate multiplication by 1000.

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:{{overline|V}} for five thousand

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:{{overline|X}} for ten thousand

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:{{overline|L}} for fifty thousand

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:{{overline|C}} for one hundred thousand

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:{{overline|D}} for five hundred thousand

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:{{overline|M}} for one million

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Roman numerals are commonly used today in numbered lists (in outline format), clockfaces, pages preceding the main body of a book, the numbering of movie sequels, and the numbering of some sport events, like the Super Bowls or Olympic Games.

Related Topics:
Super Bowls - Olympic Games

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For arithmetics involving Roman numerals, see Roman arithmetic and Roman abacus.

Related Topics:
Roman arithmetic - Roman abacus

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