mxx1's avatar

Go figure

In roman numerals the base “Roman fraction” is S, indicating one half. 

For example, whereas 4 is IV, 4.5 is IVS.

I’ve got no idea how I’ve lived for LX.. years without knowing this.

However there a twist; S does not correspond to 5⁄10, as one might expect, but 6⁄12.

The Romans must have counted using one hand, counting phalanxes with their thumb, which is the basis of the duodecimal system.

In a weird-arse twist they also used a dot for 1/12’s. For example,

4 1/12 is IV.

4 2/12 is IV..

4 8/12 is IVS…