ANCIENT MAYAN
NUMERALS
Convert numbers to ancient Mayan numerals using the vigesimal (base-20) system with dots, bars, and shells.
EXAMPLES
0
Zero (shell symbol)
5
Five (one bar)
13
Thirteen (two bars, three dots)
20
Twenty (one in next position)
ABOUT MAYAN NUMERALS
VIGESIMAL SYSTEM
The Maya used a base-20 (vigesimal) number system, likely because they counted using both fingers and toes.
- • Shell (𝋠) = 0
- • Dot (●) = 1
- • Bar (━) = 5
- • Positions read vertically
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Maya were among the first civilizations to develop the concept of zero. Their sophisticated number system enabled complex astronomical calculations and precise calendar systems.