Quote:
Originally posted by Tony Smith
[B]Derek, I realise that Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, etc) are quite different to the numerals that we use today (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), but why are these "Arabic" Numerals different to what's on the Egyptian plates?
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Arabs use what are called Hindu-Arabic numerals which had their beginning in India and slowly moved west with the silk caravans. The first use of such numerals by Arab countries was around 825 A.D. There are great similarities between eastern Arabic numerals as used in Persia and by Urdu speaking people and western Arabic numerals such as Egypt.
As U.N. Peacekeepers we took the time to learn their numeral system when posted in the Middle East to ensure we weren't taken to the cleaners.
In 1202 Leonardo of Pisa introduced the system of Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe. The historical facts are unclear as to the evolution of the numbers but what we English speaking countries use today is the current incarnation of Arabic numerals.
So, the short answer to your question is that different cultures have seen the same numerals evolve in different ways.
CHIMO!