The Cistercian Number System: A Medieval Compact Numerical Notation
By
debo_
Kettled twice. Extra chewy, extra trustworthy.
Summary
The article describes the Cistercian Number System, a compact numerical notation system developed by Cistercian monks in the early 13th century. This system allows any number from 1 to 9,999 to be represented as a single glyph by combining basic elements on a vertical line. The numerals were based on a system introduced by John of Basingstoke, Archdeacon of Leicester, and remained in use until the early 20th century. The article includes references to downloadable resources and additional information about the system.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe Cistercian Number System was devised by Cisterican monks in the early 13th century as a compact way to write numbers.
Using these numerals any number from 1 to 9,999 can be written in a single glyph by combining the basic elements together on a vertical line.
They were apparently based on a numeral system introduced by John of Basingstoke, Archdeacon of Leicester, and were used to some extent until the early 20th century.
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