Why does it often say IIII instead of IV on many dials?
Nobody knows exactly, but there are following assumptions: • The dial looks more balanced, as the VIII and the IIII are opposite to each other and so, both numerals have four characters. • In Roman times, IV was an abbreviation of Jupiter. Thus, out of respect for the Roman god, IIII was used instead. • There is a story that a clockmaker had constructed a clock for a monarch. The name of the king is different in every story (Louis XIV., Charles V, etc.). The king is alleged to have insisted that IIII is right and introduced this spelling by legislation.
