One of the most iconic objects in our #Archaeology collection, the Manchester Wordsquare was found in an excavation in #Manchester city centre in 1978.

A daily thread of awe & wonder from our encyclopedic collection of over 4.5 million objects…

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This fascinating #Latin inscription may be the earliest evidence of #Christianity in northern Britain. It reads ROTAS OPERA TENET AREPO SATOR or 'Apepo the sower guides the plough with care.'

Read more here: https://ancientworldsmanchester.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/code-breaking-in-roman-times/

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The words read the same in all directions. Re-arranged the letters spell our Pater Noster or 'Our Father', crossing at the N. This omits letters A and O. In the Bible, Jesus said: "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."



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The Wordsquare was one of the objects selected for the @BBC’s ‘A History of the World’.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/cv0tnUheR-mPV3i91DyyHw

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The Manchester Wordsquare might have been used as a secret symbol, demonstrating belief in Christianity at a time when the Christian Church was being oppressed by the Roman authorities. Others think it was simply a word puzzle or pastime.

We’d love to know what you think?...