no place value - each symbol used as often as needed no symbol for zero values of symbols added or subtracted 5 probably came from ‘one hand’ 10 probably came from ‘two hands’ lesser numbers to left are subtracted lesser numbers to right are added
I = 1 V = 5 X = 10 L = 50 C = 100 D = 500 M = 1000
A = subtract from B B = main number C = add from B
499 = ID 3 = III 30 = XXX 300 = CCC IV = 4 VI = 6 VII = 7 II1 = 3 IIX = 8
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