The Magic of Zero

It was not until 2400 years ago that zero appeared in any number system and the Babylonians were first! They were followed by the Mayans. But, it was not until 2300 years ago that the beginnings of our modern number system, which depends on place value and needs a symbol for zero, appeared in India and its surrounding regions.

It was the trading of the Arabs that helped to spread the Indian system widely to Western Europe.