can number four in roman numerals also be written as IIII instead of IV such as in some roman clocks

In traditional Roman numeral usage, the number four is correctly represented as "IV" rather than "IIII." However, in the context of Roman-style clocks, particularly in some European countries like France and Spain, you might see the number four represented as "IIII."

This unconventional representation, "IIII," deviates from the standard rules of Roman numerals, where "IV" is used to imply a subtraction (5 minus 1 equals 4). The use of "IIII" is primarily a design choice and a matter of aesthetic preference in clock faces rather than historical or linguistic accuracy.

The reason behind this might include:

• Visual balance: "IIII" creates a more symmetrical appearance on clock faces.
• Tradition: It follows local or regional conventions that developed over time.

While this representation is not consistent with the standard rules of Roman numerals, it has been adopted and accepted in these specific contexts. However, outside the realm of Roman-style clocks, "IV" is the correct and universally accepted representation for the number four in Roman numerals.