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Roman numerals on a clock

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fairy! | 08:59 Tue 17th Apr 2007 | History
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The roman numeral for four is IV

So why, on a clock face, is it IIII?
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Longcase clocks (also known as grandfather clocks) typically use Roman numerals for the hours. ("IIII" -rather than "IV"- is often used to mark the fourth hour to achieve symmetry with "VIII.")
hope this helps
It is common, but not universal, and the theory for this is as mjandrews has said. The Great Clock (Big Ben) has 4 as IV on its face.
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Thanks guys, v helpful :-)
Allegedly because Louis fourteenth liked it that way.
There is also the the supposition that the Romans only added on so 4 would be IIII and nine would be VIIII and not IX. You pays your money and takes your chances.

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Roman numerals on a clock

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