Below are some of the proposed theories as to why IIII is used on some clocks instead of IV, in no particular order of likelihood.Īlthough we write the number 4 in Roman numerals today as IV, there is evidence from ancient inscriptions that the Romans themselves may have just written the number 4 as IIII. There are a number of possible reasons for why this might be the case, and some of them are more plausible than others. The Roman numeral for 4 is IV, but many clock faces will use IIII instead. Look carefully at a few examples of clocks and watches with Roman numerals on them and you may notice some discrepancy regarding one of the numbers. For example, an analogue watch with Roman numerals will be considered by many to be more aesthetically pleasing that an electronic, digital wristwatch. In an age where digital watches and clocks are common, these more traditional time keeping devices provide a welcome contrast and alternative, and can help to give a room or person a more elegant appearance.
![roman numbers in different languages roman numbers in different languages](https://worldlanguageprocess.org/essays/scripts/moon_files/moon.gif)
Many personal time keeping objects such as the watch on your wrist or the small clock on your mantlepiece or bedside table will have Roman numerals on them instead of our more common numbers.
![roman numbers in different languages roman numbers in different languages](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaB7VB1TuKc/UDffNnte7zI/AAAAAAAAAgg/NWmRsWS5Mhw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-24+at+4.08.02+PM.png)
Roman numerals are not just used in enormous public clocks, however.
![roman numbers in different languages roman numbers in different languages](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d7/30/31/d7303129a890cb885bd8159be78ab6ec.gif)
With its four faces, the clock at the top of the Clock Tower (recently renamed the Elizabeth Tower) is a perfect example of how fine architecture and Roman numerals can go hand-in-hand to produce a beautiful and visually impressive clock.Īs we shall discover further down on this page, the clock of Big Ben is unusual in that it features IV for the number 4 instead of IIII, which is more common for the faces and dials of clocks and watches. One of the most famous examples of a Roman numeral clock - that is, a clock that features Roman numerals on its face - is the clock of Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament in London, England.