MDCXLVI is a Roman numeral that represents the number 1646. In this numeral, "M" stands for 1000, "D" for 500, "C" for 100, "XL" for 40 (which is 50 minus 10), and "VI" for 6. When combined, these values add up to 1646. The year 1646 falls within the 17th century, a period marked by significant events such as the English Civil War and the Thirty Years' War in Europe. This era also saw advancements in science and philosophy, with figures like René Descartes and Galileo Galilei making notable contributions.