What is sumerian numerals?

The Sumerian numerals were a numerical system used by the ancient Sumerians, who are considered to have been one of the earliest civilized societies in the world. The system was based on a sexagesimal (base 60) system, which allowed for a high degree of precision in measurement and calculation.

The Sumerian numeral system used a combination of symbols to represent different values. The most basic symbol was a single vertical line, which represented the number one. The symbol for 10 was a horizontal line, while 60 was represented by a larger horizontal line with a small wedge on top.

To represent larger numbers, the Sumerians combined these symbols in various ways. For example, the number 61 would be represented by combining the symbols for 60 and 1. Similarly, 72 would be represented by combining the symbols for 60 and 12.

The Sumerian numerals were widely used throughout the ancient Near East, and were eventually replaced by the Babylonian numerals, which were based on a similar sexagesimal system. Despite their ancient origins, many of the principles of the Sumerian numerals are still used in modern mathematics and measurement systems today.