Number Words

In Chapter 2 the discussion of the counting systems of primitive tribes was confined largely to what is known of their present or recent state. The history of these counting systems is not known in any detail. Hypotheses about the distribution of these systems, interesting though they are, cannot truly be classified as ‘history’. They are speculative and uncertain. However, for the Sumerian and Babylonian number system, there are written sources going back to around 3000 BC. The gradual development of this system from 3000 BC until around 1700 BC (the time of Hammurabi1) can therefore be studied. After 1700 BC the Babylonian system remained the same until the time of Christ.