Roman Numerals are the numerals that the Ancient Romans used to write their numbers.

For example, the "LII" on the gate to the coliseum in the picture tells us that this is gate number 52 to the coliseum.

The following symbols were used by the Romans:

• \(\text{I}\) is \(1\)
• \(\text{V}\) is \(5\)
• \(\text{X}\) is \(10\)
• \(\text{L}\) is \(50\)
• \(\text{C}\) is \(100\)
• \(\text{D}\) is \(500\)
• \(\text{M}\) is \(1000\)

We still use Roman Numerals in many places today. You might see them on the face of a clock, or at the end of a movie, telling you the year in which it was made. Important buildings may be engraved with Roman numerals to show the year when they were built. Scientists and musicians may use Roman numerals as part of their notation.