In 1213, the use of Arabic numerals began to spread throughout Europe, replacing the Roman numeral system that had dominated for centuries. This transition, which started in Italy and gradually moved across the continent, facilitated advancements in mathematics and commerce. The adoption of these numerals represented a significant cultural shift, allowing for more complex calculations and record-keeping, which were essential for trade and scholarship.

The introduction of Arabic numerals influenced poets and writers by enabling more precise expression of ideas and themes related to mathematics and science in literature. This shift contributed to the intellectual environment that poets like Geoffrey Chaucer would later engage with, as the interplay between numerical concepts and poetic forms became more pronounced.