Sator - 2021

For centuries, scholars believed the Sator Square was a medieval invention. However, archaeological finds in the 20th century shattered this timeline. The earliest known examples were discovered in the ruins of Pompeii, meaning the square dates back to at least 79 AD.

Rotas: The name of the company that builds the "turnstiles." For centuries, scholars believed the Sator Square was

Tenet: The name of the secret organization and the film's title. Opera: The location of the film’s opening sequence. Rotas: The name of the company that builds the "turnstiles

Other notable locations where the square has been found include: Corinium (modern-day Cirencester, England). Dura-Europos (modern-day Syria). The Church of San Pietro ad Oratorium in Italy. Various Ethiopian prayer amulets and magical scrolls. Dura-Europos (modern-day Syria)

Arepo: Likely a name, or possibly derived from a Celtic word for "plow." Tenet: He/she/it holds or guides. Opera: Works, care, or labor. Rotas: Wheels or cycles.

In the film, the square represents the concept of inversion and the non-linear nature of time, mirroring the palindromic nature of the ancient artifact. Magical and Folk Traditions

One of the most popular theories regarding the Sator Square is that it served as a "tessera," or a secret sign for early Christians hiding from Roman persecution.