Why does Super Bowl use Roman Numerals? What is the reasoning behind using the Roman numbering system instead of Arabic Numerals?
One of the big questions around any Super Bowl is the usage of Roman Numerals in the official title.
After all, it is a little strange for one of the planet’s biggest sporting events to use a number system of an empire which crumbled nearly 1,600 years ago.
Instead of the complex Roman Numeral system, Super Bowl could use Arabic Numerals – which is the most widely used number system in the world.
But why does Super Bowl use the Roman system for games – and what is the 2022 game in the digits?
- TRENDING: Who is Super Bowl referee Ronald Torbert – and his officials team?
Why Super Bowl uses Roman Numerals
The reason why Super Bowl uses Roman Numerals is actually pretty simple – and is due to the design of the football calendar.
Regular season games take place in the fall/Winter months of the year – with the Super Bowl always in the New Year.
To ensure there would be no confusion – a number was simply assigned to each Championship Game so fans and media could keep track.
- TRENDING: Why is it actually called Super Bowl – what are the origins of the name?
Lamar Hunt – who also coined the name Super Bowl (see above) – came up with the idea of using the Roman Numeral system – believing it added grandeur and more ceremony to the event.
It was first adopted for the fifth Super Bowl in 1971 – and retrospectively added to the previous four.
So what does LVI actually mean?
The 2022 Super Bowl between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams will be officially known as Super Bowl LVI.
In Roman Numerals, LVI is 56.
Roman Numerals break down
- I – 1
- II – 2
- V – 5
- X – 10
- L – 50
- C – 100
- M – 1000
So as Super Bowl this weekend is 56, we need to take one L (50), add a V (five) and a further I (one) from the Roman system.
Super Bowl in 2023 will be the 57th game – or Super Bowl LVII.
In 2016, the NFL elected not to use Super Bowl L for the 50th game.
It was believed Super Bowl 50 would be a better title.
- EXPLAINED: Which cities have held Super Bowl the most times?
In other news, Who is weight loss influencer Lexi Reed and why was she hospitalised?