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As word of the SATOR Square spread, various theories about its purpose and meaning began to emerge. Some scholars suggested that it was a form of early Christian symbolism. When the letters were rearranged, they could form the phrase "PATER NOSTER" (Our Father) in the shape of a cross, with the remaining letters A and O representing Alpha and Omega, a title for Christ. This interpretation suggested that the square might have been a covert symbol of faith in a time when Christians faced persecution.
Others proposed that the SATOR Square was an agricultural charm. The word "SATOR" means "sower" or "farmer" in Latin, and "AREPO" was believed to be a proper name or a term of unknown origin. "TENET" means "holds," "OPERA" means "works," and "ROTAS" means "wheels." This interpretation suggested that the square was a charm for good agricultural fortune, implying that the sower (SATOR) uses his plow (AREPO) to work (OPERA) and holds (TENET) the wheels (ROTAS) of his plow.
Another theory posited that the SATOR Square was a magical or protective talisman. Its symmetrical and palindromic nature made it a powerful symbol, potentially used to ward off evil or bring good luck. The square's presence in various locations, including on amulets and in religious contexts, supported this idea.
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