The use and script of numerals: some notes in Latin Paleo-Christian inscriptions in Portugal

Among Paleo-Christian inscriptions from the South of Portugal (5th to 7th century) there is a large number of them with unusual practices in the use and script of numerals: we find numerals written just with numeric symbols or in fully written forms as well as in mixed forms (numeric and fully written such as LDVOS or DLXXQVINQ). Texts can also be found where numeric symbols co-occur with the fully written form (VI sex). Relating these practices with the interference of commercial practices tied with the use of the metrological series as, we can say that through the numerals we can learn about the literacy and about the interference in epigraphic texts of the everyday life habits of writing and speaking of these communities. According to the epigraphic evidence the script and the use of the numerals is linked to those who wrote them and those who read them - the living communities and their writing practices The cursive traits especially visible in the script of the numerals are evidence of this mixed usage of formal and non-formal language.