A fascinating new research that challenges what we know about the numerical notations on the Visigothic slates. Today we highlight the article by our co-PI Nerea Fernández Cadenas “Numbers on the Visigothic Slates: A Cognitive Approach”.
This article is part of the special issue “Cognitive technologies and their histories” edited by Stephen Chrisomalis and Helena Miton. It offers a novel perspective on numerical representation on the slates of Early Medieval Visigothic Iberia through the lens of human cognitive architecture and cognitive extension.
The results of the study suggest that the Roman numerals on the written slates coexist alongside the notational system used on the numerical slates rather than that both types belonging to the same system. Whereas written slates worked as asynchronous code to facilitate dual communication, numerical slates could be used as a memory aid to assist with individual cognition.
The results shed light on early medieval Iberian society, who used numerals and for what purposes. Don’t be left wanting to know more. All the information you need is just a click away.
Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tops.70014?af=R
Alfonso García Sánchez
