Dozens were the popular way of counting ,1 dozen = 12.

Because there are 60 seconds in a minute, and 60 minutes an hour (5*12 = 60). And 24 hours a day (2*12), and turn 360 degrees in a circle (30*12 = 360), Fahrenheit scale was defined by two fixed points with a 180 °F separation (15*12 = 180): water freezes and the boiling point of water. 12 pennies to a shilling and 240 pennies to a pound (20*12 = 240). The Romans had 12 denarii to a solidus and 72 solidi to a pound 6*12 = 72). 12 inches to a foot. 5280 feet to a mile (440*12 = 5280).