By 1172, Arabic numerals began to spread throughout Europe, replacing Roman numerals in various fields, including commerce and science. This transition facilitated more complex calculations and record-keeping, significantly impacting trade and scholarship. The adoption of these numerals marked a pivotal moment in European intellectual history, contributing to the Renaissance.

The introduction of Arabic numerals influenced poets and writers by enabling more precise expressions of mathematical and scientific concepts in their works. This shift laid the groundwork for the later development of literary forms that incorporated mathematical themes, as seen in the works of poets during the Renaissance.