How was our current numbering system (i.e. 1, 2, 3...) spread? By whom was it spread?

by umop_aplsdn

By numbering system, I'm asking about the numbers themselves (i.e 1, 2, 3, etc.) and also our mathematical symbols (i.e. +, -, *, /). Did this system originate out of, say, Europe and spread elsewhere through colonization? Did it start somewhere else?

Searocksandtrees