Roman numerals use 7 symbols: I(1), V(5), X(10), L(50), C(100), D(500), M(1000). Rules: same symbol max 3 consecutive (III=3); smaller before larger = subtract (IV=4); smaller after larger = add (VI=6).
Roman numerals are still widely used: clock faces (I-XII), book chapters, movie/TV release years, monarch/papal names (Elizabeth II), sports events (Super Bowl LVIII), and outline hierarchies.
Standard Roman numerals lack symbols for 5000 and beyond. Traditional usage maxes out at 3999 (MMMCMXCIX). Extended notation using vinculum (overline for Γ1000) exists but is not standard.