Why was Star Wars The New Hope numbered fourth?

Answer 1

Because it was number. Just because this movie was released first doesn't mean it's the beginning of the story. From what I've heard George Lucas wrote 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 in order. Only, he released 4, 5 and 6 first because that's what he felt would do better in box office around that time period. Then about 15 years later he made 1,2 and 3, which tell the beginning of the story. Technically, 1,2 and 3 are NOT prequels even though the were released after 4, 5, and 6 because they were written before them.