Mayan Numerals (Unicode block) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mayan Numerals |
|
|---|---|
| Range | U+1D2E0..U+1D2FF (1 code points) |
| Plane | BMP |
| Scripts | Common |
| Assigned | 20 code points |
| Unused | -19 reserved code points |
| Unicode version history | |
| 11.0 (2018) | 20 (+20) |
Mayan Numerals are special symbols used to write numbers from the ancient Maya civilization. These symbols are now part of Unicode, which is a system that helps computers understand and show text and symbols from all over the world. This means you can see and use Mayan numbers on digital devices!
Contents
What are Mayan Numerals?
The ancient Maya people lived in Mesoamerica, which is a region that includes parts of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. They were very advanced in many ways, especially in mathematics and astronomy. Their number system was unique and different from the one we use today.
How the Maya Counted
The Maya used a base-20 number system, which is called a vigesimal system. This means that instead of counting in groups of ten (like our system), they counted in groups of twenty. They also had a symbol for zero, which was a very important invention in mathematics.
The Symbols of Maya Math
The Mayan numeral system used only three main symbols to write any number:
- A dot (•) represented the value of one.
- A bar (—) represented the value of five.
- A shell (or a similar oval shape) represented zero.
Numbers were written vertically, meaning they were stacked on top of each other. Each position had a different value, just like in our system where the number 123 means 100 + 20 + 3. For the Maya, the bottom position was for ones, the next position up was for twenties, then 400s (20x20), and so on.
For example:
- One dot was 1.
- Two dots were 2.
- One bar was 5.
- One bar and one dot was 6 (5 + 1).
- Two bars were 10 (5 + 5).
- Two bars and four dots were 14 (5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1).
- Three bars and four dots were 19 (5 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1).
- A shell symbol meant zero. If a shell was in the bottom position, it meant the number was a multiple of 20, like 20, 40, or 60.
The Maya used these numbers for many things, including their very accurate calendars and for tracking astronomical events.
Why are Mayan Numerals in Computers?
You might wonder why an ancient number system is important for computers today. The reason is Unicode. Unicode is like a giant library of all the characters and symbols used in every language and writing system around the world. It makes sure that text looks the same on different computers and devices.
Bringing Ancient Numbers to the Digital Age
Adding Mayan numerals to Unicode helps preserve this important part of history. It allows scholars, students, and anyone interested in ancient civilizations to study and use these numbers digitally. It also means that websites, books, and other digital content can accurately display Mayan numbers.
The Mayan Numerals block was added to Unicode in version 11.0, which was released in June 2018. This was an important step in making sure that these unique symbols are available for everyone in the digital world.
