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[-] Gabu@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

VIIII is a valid way to write 9, though antiquated. If you look at very old clocks, you'll see they all use this notation.

[-] 5wim@slrpnk.net 6 points 2 months ago

Didn't realize homie was an antiquated clock. (Assumed the usage of Roman numerals, like in the references being made, in which case I don't believe the clumsy VIIII only used on old clocks would really be valid.)

[-] TheControlled@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago

This made me really laugh. Thought I would let you know ๐Ÿ˜‚

[-] Gabu@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

VIIII wasn't exclusive to clocks, that's the only long-lasting example we still have access to.

[-] 5wim@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Your point is that VIIII was ever used in history? Happily conceded.

[-] Opisek@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

The reason clocks use it, is to not make it look visually unbalanced. Most often they write 4 as IIII. I find it infuriating to break such a simple rule though.

But also, I've never ever seen VIIII.

[-] Gabu@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

Julius Caesar's memoir of war in Gaul makes use of VIIII, for instance. You're right that it's much rarer, but was still used contemporarily and in modern times.

this post was submitted on 25 Apr 2024
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