I was with my parents to the museum of central africa in Tervuren and there I saw this number on the facade. I don’t think this was possible. But according to my father this can’t be a mistake?
Asker: Nina , 11 years
Answer
Indeed, the classical Romans themselves never used more than three letters next to each other, with the exception of the I (so IIII sometimes instead of IV). In modern customs of the Roman numeral system you will find more shapes than those on the facade of the RMCA. Another example of modern usage is the Admiralty Arch in London (MDCCCCX-1910). Thanks to Sophie Dralans.
Answered by
Prof. dr. Koen Bostoen
African Linguistics, Bantu Languages
university of Ghent
http://www.ugent.be
.