Table of Contents
Mesopotamia
The Sumerians and Babylonians primarily used a sexagesimal system (base-60), but traces of vigesimal influences have been found in some inscriptions. These cultures influenced the development of mathematics in the Near East.
In Genesis 16:16, Abram is stated to be 86 years old when Hagar bore Ishmael:
“And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.”
Europe
Celtic and Gaelic Languages: The vigesimal system is evident in historical and modern counting systems. For example:
French uses vigesimal counting in numbers like quatre-vingts (80, meaning “four twenties”).
Welsh, Danish, and Breton also retain remnants of base-20 counting.
The prevalence of vigesimal systems in these regions may reflect older Indo-European practices.
Mesoamerica
The Maya civilization is one of the most famous users of a pure vigesimal system. Their calendar, astronomical records, and numerical systems are based on base-20 counting.
Other Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Aztecs, also employed a vigesimal system for trade, timekeeping, and other calculations.
Africa
In some West African languages, including Yoruba and Igbo, traces of vigesimal counting exist in traditional numerical systems.
Asia
Ancient Tibetan counting systems show evidence of vigesimal influences. However, these are less prominent compared to decimal-based systems.
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