The Roman Numeral System was developed in Ancient Rome. It uses letters from the Latin alphabet to represent a number. The symbols are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, standing respectively for 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 in the Hindu-Arabic numeral system.
While the Roman numerals are obsolete, we still see them being used in the modern world. Luckily, we don’t use them for daily arithmetic. Yet, here are some ways the Roman numerals are still used in the modern world:
1. When referring to names like in royalty, emperors and popes. The Roman Numerals are added at the end of the name. Example: Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Benedict XVI, Tirso Cruz III
2. Clocks and Watches. Many clocks and watches still use the Roman Numeral in their watch faces. Sometimes, the number 4 is written as IIII instead of IV. This is probably for aesthetic reasons.
3. On buildings. Roman numerals will show the year the building was constructed.
4. In books, film, movies and TV shows. Roman Numerals are used to show publication dates or the volume number. Example: The Godfather III.
5. To name centuries. These is no longer a common practice. But you will still encounter centuries written in Roman Numerals. Example: XXI Century for 21st century, or XVII for eighteenth century.
Suggested Homeschool Activity for Roman Numerals
- List the names of relatives and friends who are 2nd, or 3rd or 4th in their family. Ask them who were they named after.
- Go out in the city and look at buildings with Roman Numerals in their facade. Read the numerals to know the year they were constructed.
- Look at the books in a bookstore or library that have Roman Numerals. If allowed, arrange the volumes in order.
- Visit a cinema and check for movie posters with Roman Numerals on their sequels.
More about Roman Numerals
- Visit our Roman Numerals Page for lessons, tips and free worksheets to download.
- Use this online converter to change Roman Numerals to Decimal Numbers.
