Cuneiform Numbers - Numberphile
Numberphile・9 minutes read
Babylonian Cuneiform Numbers, the oldest number system from around 3000 years BC, used wedge marks in mud on small tablets based on a sexagesimal system with symbols for 1 to 59 and a unique symbol for 60, adopting zero later on. The system's choice of base 60 is still a mystery, potentially influenced by the divisibility of 60 and the natural tendency to count in base 10 due to fingers.
Insights
- Babylonian Cuneiform Numbers originated in the Sumerian civilization around 3000 years BC, employing wedge-shaped script on small tablets to represent a sexagesimal system with symbols for 1 to 59 and a unique symbol for 60.
- The Babylonian number system, developed in Babylon by 2000 BC, utilized additional columns to represent numbers beyond 59, initially lacking a symbol for zero but later incorporating two diagonals to denote zero in certain positions, showcasing a unique blend of mathematical innovation and practicality.
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Recent questions
What is the Babylonian Cuneiform Numbers system?
It is the oldest number system, evolving around 3000 years BC in the Sumerian civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
How were Babylonian numbers written?
On small tablets with wedge marks using a reed.
What is the basis of the Babylonian number system?
A sexagesimal system with symbols for 1 to 59.
Did the Babylonian system have a symbol for zero?
Initially lacking, later adopting two diagonals.
Why did the Babylonian system use base 60?
Possibly influenced by divisibility of 60 and finger counting.
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Summary
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Ancient Babylonian Cuneiform Numbers: A Brief History
- Babylonian Cuneiform Numbers are the oldest number system, evolving around 3000 years BC in the Sumerian civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
- Cuneiform involves making wedge marks in mud, traditionally done with a reed, creating a distinctive wedge-shaped script.
- The number system was fully functional by 2000 BC in Babylon, succeeding the Sumerian civilization.
- Babylonian numbers are written on small tablets, about the size of half an iPhone, using a reed to make wedge marks.
- The Babylonian number system is based on a sexagesimal system, with symbols for 1 to 59, and a unique symbol for 60.
- To represent numbers beyond 59, additional columns are used, with each column representing multiples of 60.
- The Babylonian system lacked a symbol for zero initially, later adopting two diagonals to represent zero in specific positions.
- The choice of base 60 in the Babylonian system remains a mystery, possibly influenced by the divisibility of 60 and the natural inclination to count in base 10 due to fingers.
