In 1261, the use of Arabic numerals began to gain acceptance in Europe, replacing the Roman numeral system that had dominated for centuries. This transition was particularly notable in trade centers like Florence and Venice, where merchants and scholars recognized the efficiency of the new numeral system. The adoption of Arabic numerals facilitated more complex calculations and record-keeping, contributing to the growth of commerce and science.

The introduction of Arabic numerals influenced poets and writers by allowing for more precise expression of ideas related to mathematics and time in poetry. This numerical system enabled poets to explore themes of order and structure in their works, as seen in the later writings of poets like John Milton, who incorporated mathematical concepts into his poetic structure.