The concept of zero (0) as a numerical digit is believed to have been developed independently by different ancient civilizations. The exact origin of zero is a subject of historical debate, but here are some key points:
Babylonians: Around 300 BCE, the Babylonians used a placeholder symbol in their cuneiform writing to represent an empty place value. While it wasn't exactly the number zero as we understand it today, it served a similar purpose in positional numeral systems.
Mayans: The Mayan civilization in Mesoamerica also had a concept of zero. They used a shell-shaped symbol as a placeholder in their base-20 numeral system, which allowed them to perform complex mathematical calculations.
Indian mathematicians: The concept of zero as a digit with its own inherent value is often attributed to Indian mathematicians. Around the 5th century CE, the Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata explicitly used the digit "0" in his work. The concept of zero was further developed by other Indian mathematicians, such as Brahmagupta, who made significant contributions to the understanding of zero as a number.
Ancient Greeks and Romans: The ancient Greeks and Romans did not have a symbol for zero as a number. Their numeral systems lacked a placeholder for an empty value, which made complex calculations more cumbersome.
The Indian concept of zero eventually spread to the Arab world and then to Europe during the Middle Ages. It became an integral part of modern arithmetic and mathematics, laying the foundation for advanced mathematical concepts and the development of modern science.
In summary, while the concept of zero evolved over time and was recognized in various forms by different civilizations, the concept of zero as a numerical digit with its own inherent value is often attributed to Indian mathematicians.