It is a controversial step for history lovers. Because of him, some rulers may be unrecognizable. At least on the labels.
“The revision of history began at the Louvre and at the Carnavalet Museum. Roman numerals are allegedly no longer sufficiently understandable for visitors, “said Jan Šmíd, a reporter for the Czech Television in France.
Pro
Noémie Giard of the Carnavalet Museum advocates change. “It will help physically and mentally handicapped visitors and it will also make the orientation of people from abroad who do not know Roman numerals more pleasant.”
The argument is also that Roman numerals are no longer taught in schools and this can be an obstacle to understanding the exhibition.
Against
However, many historians criticize the decision. “The aim is to simplify part of history, especially for young people, but on the other hand we are losing part of our heritage, to which Roman numerals undoubtedly belong,” believes historian Jacques Olivier Boudon.
Boudon, a university professor from the south of France and a specialist in the period of ancient Rome, even initiated a petition rejecting the move. He called it a continuation of cultural decline. It was signed by 25,000 people in four days.
“I think it’s scandalous. If we call King Louis XIV. other than Roman numerals, it’s just not him anymore, “said Eric Teyssier, a professor at the University of Nimes.
Trend
The reporter Šmíd notes that one of the most beautiful places in Paris, Vosges Square, which was built by Henry IV, is dominated by the equestrian statue of Louis XIII. “The Roman numerals behind his name remain so far, the question is how long,” he added.
After a wave of criticism, other museums slowed the plan to follow the Louvre or Carnavalet. Part of the professional public believes that the process will not stop
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