Interpret Dates Written in Roman Numerals

The numbers that we use today are not the same as the ones the Romans used. Roman numerals were used all over the Roman Empire.

 

In England, they are still used occasionally, for example, on film credits and clock faces.

 

Remember that the Romans didn't have a symbol for the number 0.

 

The Romans used these symbols:

 

I = 1

V = 5

X = 10

L = 50

C = 100

D = 500

M = 1000

 

All other numbers can be built using these symbols by adding or subtracting.

We build bigger numbers by adding 100s, 500s or 1000s or Cs, Ds and Ms in Roman numerals.

 

MC = M + C = 1000 + 100 = 1100

MCCXI = M + C + C + X + I = 1000 + 200 + 10 + 1 = 1211

MCD = M + CD = 1000 + 400 = 1400

MCM = M + CM = 1000 + 900 = 1900

 

 

Example

Convert the years MDCCCXCV and MCMXLVIII to normal years.

 

Answer

Break the numbers down and then add together the bits.

MDCCCXCV = M + DCCC + XC + V = 1000 + 800 + 90 + 5 = 1895

MCMXLVIII = M + CM + XL + VIII  = 1000 + 900 + 40 + 8 = 1948 

 

Are you ready to imagine yourself as a Roman and have a go at these dates?