> the modern form on "numbers" we use doesn't even exist yet.

This is interesting. You've stated this at least twice. What does it mean? I understand the symbols would be different and the base-10 system might not be used. I'd think people would be very familiar with counting things. I thought writing was thought to have started with tallying counts of things.

I know some numbers can be a statement rather than a count (specifically thinking the Book of Revelation but I suspect it's elsewhere as well). Given that, wouldn't "10" people be 10 it whatever system is being used as long as "10" doesn't actually mean "all"? Thanks.