Numerals and time

Numerals and time

Latin Numerals

• Latin numerals are quite different from the numerical system used in modern English.
• Latin uses letters instead of numbers to denote values. For instance, I is 1, V is 5, X is 10, L is 50, C is 100, D is 500, M is 1,000.
• When a smaller number appears before a larger number, it is subtracted. For instance, IV represents 4 (5-1).
• When a smaller number appears after a larger number, it is added. For instance, VII represents 7 (5+1+1).

Declining Numerals

• Some Latin numerals must be declined to match the corresponding noun in gender, number, and case.
• For instance, ‘unus, una, unum’ (one) and ‘duo, duae, duo’ (two) must be declined.

Time Expressions in Latin

• When expressing time, the Romans used the inclusive counting system, which means the beginning hour is included in counting.
• For instance, ‘hora tertia’ in Roman time would be the third hour from dawn, which in modern time is two hours after dawn.

Expressing ‘o’clock’

• To express ‘o’clock’, the Romans would say ‘hora’ followed by the numeral. For example, ‘hora prima’ means ‘one o’clock’, ‘hora secunda’ means ‘two o’clock’, and so on.
• However, remember the inclusive counting system. In the Roman scheme, ‘hora prima’ actually symbolizes dawn, not one hour after dawn as it is today.

Expressing ‘half past’

• To express ‘half past’, Romans would say ‘media’ followed by ‘hora’ and the numeral for the next hour. For instance, ‘media hora secunda’ would mean ‘half past one’.

Using Time in Sentences

• When using time in sentences, ensure the numeral agrees with ‘hora’ in case, number, and gender. If it doesn’t, recheck your understanding of the sentence.
• The numeral indicating the hour often takes the ablative case as it answers the question ‘when?’ in the sentence.