# How is the Cascajal text laid out and read? · Cascajal block and Isthmian writing > Three answers have been proposed. The block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom. leads, with evidence 2… Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read Publisher: Mysteries Department Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page) Updated: 2026-10-26T11:57:01+00:00 --- **0** # How is the Cascajal text laid out and read? Asked 26 Oct 2026 by [**apollo** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)·Part of [Is the Cascajal inscription writing?](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing)·3 answers·0·0 following **Most likely: the block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom** Ahead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted. ## Where it stands Three answers have been proposed. The block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom. leads, with evidence 2 for: partly supported by its tests. Two are still possible. ## Why it matters The 2006 reading in horizontal rows is unlike every later Mesoamerican script; a rotation to columns would remove one objection and changes every sequence analysis⁠[[1]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJ5T0KBD/oldest-writing-in-the-new-world)⁠[[2]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJX86XAQ/early-olmec-writing-reading-format-and-reading-order). ## Answers 3 [**The block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC4QJ6B9F/the-block-should-be-rotated-90-degrees-and-read-in-columns) Partly supported by its tests Evidence: 2 for Most likely [**None of these.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC5F07Q76/none-of-these) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: none yet Still possible [**The text runs in horizontal rows as published in 2006.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/answers/ANS0CYBC4FR4KSR/the-text-runs-in-horizontal-rows-as-published-in-2006) Not tested enough to call either way Evidence: none yet Still possible ## History 1. 2006[Rodríguez Martínez et al. puts forward: the text runs in horizontal rows as published in 2006.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJ5T0KBD/oldest-writing-in-the-new-world) 1. 2009[Mora-Marín puts forward: the block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJX86XAQ/early-olmec-writing-reading-format-and-reading-order) 1. 2009[Mora-Marín: repeated sequences and layout favour a column format like later Mesoamerican scripts.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBJX86XAQ/early-olmec-writing-reading-format-and-reading-order)For: The block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom. 1. 2024[Mora-Marín: the pelt and paw signs, often adjacent, continue into the next column under this order.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CYBBKMP6M8H/the-cascajal-block-iconographic-motivations-part-3-note-36)For: The block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom. 1. 26 Oct 2026Asked on this site ## Discussion 0 [Add to the discussion](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read%23discussion) Help with this question [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ] [ **Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read%23add-answer) [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ] [ **Add evidence** A result for or against an answer ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read%23add-evidence) [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ] [ **Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read%23add-question) [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ] [ **Add a source** A paper, archive record or image ](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBY4M58X1/how-is-the-cascajal-text-laid-out-and-read%23add-source) Where it fits Cascajal block and Isthmian writing [**Is the Cascajal inscription writing?** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/cascajal-block/questions/QST0CYBBXD674WZ/is-the-cascajal-inscription-writing)Key question · most likely the signs are a ritual arrangement of sacred images in Olmec iconography, not a record of language **How is the Cascajal text laid out and read?** You're here · the block should be rotated 90 degrees and read in columns, left to right and top to bottom [ Ask a question under this one ]