A discussion of the history and origins of zero benefits from an examination of the historical and philosophical roots from where the concept of emptiness and the void arose. Why was there such a lag in the development of the digit zero amongst ancient civilizations, considering the relative sophistication of some of their numbering systems as well as the accuracy of their astrometric forecasts. The concept of empty space, void, and nothingness occupied and at times terrified the minds of many ancient scholars and philosophers. In many cultures, there was a primal fear of the void and chaos, and thus an avoidance of a digit such as zero. This chapter reviews the concept of nothing and the void across Greek, Roman, Persian, and Eastern philosophies and religions. It wraps up showing the influence these frameworks had on the development of modern philosophy and science.