All we had were MDMCCCCn notations on papyrus. Then the ink would spill, then.. back to
1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1 got you an X, then X+ ... well, you know.

These pesky young-uns! who never had n extended, rapid conversations in igPa atinLa ... as a superior form of encryption (when amidst lurking adults, ever seeking clues to our clearly Alien roots.)