THERE’S AN ARABIC VERSION AVAILABLE HERE
Next to maps clocks are our passion. Feeling generous today so I’m making our Roman Numeral Clock Face that featured on our old Curio Shop site available again.
Roman numerals date back to ancient Rome and were used throughout the Roman Empire for many purposes, including clock faces, number systems, and dates.
The Origin of Roman Numerals
Roman numerals originated in ancient Rome around 500 BCE. They were developed as a transition from the Etruscan numeral system, which was influenced by earlier Greek and other Mediterranean cultures. They were designed to be simple and functional for to suit the needs of trade, administration, and military records.
The Roman Numeral System
The basic symbols used in Roman numerals are:
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1000
Roman numerals are written by combining these symbols. For example, VII means 7 (5 + 2), and XIV means 14 (10 + 5 – 1).
Roman Numerals on Clocks
The use of Roman numerals on clocks dates back to the Middle Ages. Early clocks, built in monasteries or public spaces in the 13th and 14th centuries, commonly featured Roman numerals. The choice of Roman numerals over Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) was likely linked to the classical world and its traditions, as well as being influenced by the Latin-speaking clerics and scholars who were influential during this period.
Roman Influence: During the Renaissance, the revival of classical Roman culture played a significant role in the adoption of Roman numerals. As Europe returned to classical ideals, Roman numerals were favoured for their pleasing aesthetic and historical association with Roman civilization.
Monastery Clocks: The earliest mechanical clocks, built in the 13th century, to be found in abbeys and monasteries used Roman numerals, as Latin was the language of the Church, and the numerals were familiar to educated clergy within
Practicality and Aesthetics: The use of Roman numerals on clocks was not just a cultural decision, but also a practical one. The clock faces were typically circular, and the symmetry of Roman numerals (with the larger numerals like “X” and “V” standing out) created an easy-to-read and balanced design.
Clock Evolution: As clocks evolved, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries, the use of Roman numerals continued. It was during this time that clock faces became more widespread in public spaces and homes. Some clocks featured all Roman numerals, while others used a combination of Roman numerals for 1–12 and Arabic numerals for minutes.
Why Roman Numerals Are Used Today
Roman numerals remain a common feature on clock faces even in modern times, despite the widespread use of Arabic numerals. Several factors contribute to their continuing use:
Tradition: Roman numerals are still viewed as a traditional, almost timeless design element.
Pleasing Aesthetic Value: The use of Roman numerals can create a classical or vintage feel, and make clocks more ornamental and traditional.
Legibility: In some cases, Roman numerals can generally be easier to read in more general clock designs, as they provide a more balanced and formal appearance.
Modern Use of Roman Numerals
Today, Roman numerals are still often used on traditional style clocks, high-end watches, and historical buildings most notably in our particular sphere of interest the railway clock. They have become symbolic of elegance, classical design, and historical continuity.
In addition to clocks, Roman numerals are used in other contexts, such as:
Visual Copyrights: Roman numerals are used to denote the year of production and are often seen in the credits of BBC TV productions and films a format that we also choose on this site.
Monuments and Buildings: Many old buildings and monuments are dated with Roman numerals.
Events: Special anniversaries (the Olympic Games for example) often use Roman numerals.
Despite the prevalence of Arabic numerals today, Roman numerals remain a classical and much loved system for indicating hours on clocks, continuing a tradition that spans centuries.