MDCIV

MDCIV is the Roman numeral for the number 1604. It is formed by M (1000) + D (500) + C (100) + IV (4). The IV utilizes subtractive notation, where I placed before V indicates four. Together these symbols sum to 1604. In Roman numeral usage, MDCIV can be written with or without spaces as MD CIV or MDC IV, but all forms represent the same value.

As a year, 1604 sits in the early 17th century, a period in the Western world associated with the early modern era, scientific development, and Baroque culture. In English literature, the year is often linked to the first performances of William Shakespeare’s Othello, which is typically dated to around 1604.

Beyond dating, MDCIV may appear in inscriptions, monuments, or cataloging systems that use Roman numerals. It is not an acronym tied to a single organization or concept; in most references it functions as a numeral designation rather than an initialism.

In modern usage, MDCIV largely appears in historical writing, chronologies, and decorative or commemorative contexts that employ Roman numerals for year marks or identifiers.