In the early 13th century, Cistercian monks invented a unique numeral system

 

In the early 13th century, Cistercian monks invented a numeral system capable of representing any number from 1 to 9999 using a single symbol. Originating in Hainaut monasteries, it built upon a two-place system introduced by John of Basingstoke, influenced by 12th-century English shorthand.

The system was employed in manuscripts across Europe for foliation, dating years, text divisions, and concordances from the 13th to 15th centuries. Later adaptations extended it to millions, with niche uses in astrolabes, wine-gauging, and mysticism persisting until the 18th century.