The Oath Skull from Germany is a human skull from the 16th or 17th century that features the Sator formula inscribed within a letter square. The significance and purpose of the Sator formula remain unclear, leading to various interpretations over the years. One proposed interpretation involves arranging the letters in a double Pater Noster (the Lord's Prayer) in the shape of a cross around the pivotal letter "N," while the remaining letters "A" and "O" represent alpha and omega, symbolizing the beginning and the end. This arrangement suggests a connection between the skull and religious symbolism.
The words can be read top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, left-to-right, and right-to-left. The exact meaning of this palindrome is still debated by scholars, but a common translation of the words is: SATOR: sower, planter; founder, progenitor (usually divine); originator AREPO: a name, possibly a proper name, or it might be a word in a lost language, its meaning is unclear. TENET: holds, keeps; comprehends; possesses; masters; preserves OPERA: work, care; aid, service, effort/trouble; (divine) worship, rite; (pl.) works, deeds ROTAS: wheel, rotate; (pl.) rotations, whirls, or a kind of military formation. However, the overall meaning of the Sator Square as a whole remains a mystery. It has been found all over Europe, inscribed on various ancient structures, suggesting it held some significance, possibly religious or magical. Some believe it may have been a Christian cryptogram, with TENET forming the shape of a cross. Others suggest it might have been a form of amulet.
@fasc1nate Bro getting a crossword engraved into his skull whilst alive and totally not wanting to participate like
@fasc1nate "Woah, that's a fascinating piece of history! It's amazing how the skull connects religious symbolism with the enigmatic Sator formula. Can't help but wonder what other hidden meanings it holds. 🤔"
@fasc1nate In the Middle Ages, oath skulls were used, among other things, as objects of jurisdiction and later found their place in cabinets of curiosities.
@fasc1nate Ouija boards went hard back in the day
@fasc1nate Sator square is just them 16th century folks playing wordle