THE ABACUS.......

Abacus is one of the earliest counting device and one of the most brilliant inventions by man. 

What is an abacus?

An abacus is a device used for addition and subtraction, and the related operations of multiplication and division. It does not require the use of pen and paper, and it's good for any base number system. There are two basic forms for the abacus: a specially marked flat surface used with counters (counting table), or a frame with beads strung on wires (bead frame).

The name Abacus derives from the Greek word ABAX meaning table or board covered with dust. The origins of the Abacus are buried deep in the history of mankind. But it is generaly assumed that the origins of the Abacus lies in the Middle East some where in the period known as the Early Middle Ages. The model developed during that period had a wooden frame with several wires each strung with 10 beads. Three more than the Abaci we know now from Asia.

Here is a link where you could read more about abacus. You could also read here inventions that are created because of the abacus

http://history-computer.com/CalculatingTools/abacus.html

ANCIENT NUMERATION SYSTEMS
Different races and peoples developed their own numerals to respond to the need of their society and so came our bases for our numeration system today.

A. The Egyptian Numeration System        Hieroglyphics are the picture symbols used by Egyptians that have a definite value in our
           Hindu-Arabic system.

B. The Babylonian Numeration System
         Cuneiform numerals were used by the Babylonians to represent numbers less than 60.

 
C. The Chinese Numeration System
       This system uses addition and multiplication to form numbers.

 
D. The Greek Numeration System
       The Greeks used the letters of the alphabet to count.

E. The Roman Numeration System
      Seven capital letters of the Roman alphabet are used in this system.

  
Try watching these videos to learn more.