France: A 'Rotas Square' or 'Sator Square', Oppede, Vaucluse, c. 2nd - 4th century CE

The Rotas Square (or Sator Square) is a word square containing a Latin palindrome. By repositioning the letters around the central letter Ν, a Greek cross can be made that reads Pater Noster (Latin for 'Our Father', the first two words of the Lord's Prayer) both vertically and horizontally. The remaining letters – two each of A and O – can be taken to represent the concept of Alpha and Omega, a reference in Christianity to the omnipresence of God.

The square was likely used as a covert symbol for early Christians to express their presence to each other.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

M Disdero

Credit:

Pictures From History