Why didn’t the Romans write “8” as “llX” instead of “Vlll”, as it is one less character.

by user_22017851
cnzmur

You might be interested in this older answer from u/sunagainstgold about additive and subtractive Roman numerals.

[deleted]

I’m not sure that I follow your question. There is a need to maintain a consistent notation throughout. Using your method, 13 would be represented as XIIV, which is one greater character than the standard XIII.