The Spartan Secret: Encrypt Messages with the Scytale Cipher

The Scytale Cipher is one of the oldest known methods of secret communication, originating in ancient Sparta around the 5th century B.C. It's a method where the letters of the message are rearranged rather than replaced. The core of the cipher is a rod (the scytale) of a specific diameter, around which the sender wraps a strip of parchment spirally. The sender then writes the message across the parchment's edge. When the strip is unwound, the letters are scrambled and appear meaningless. The recipient must possess a rod of the exact same diameter to wrap the strip and successfully read the secret message.

Ready to send your own secret message? Use the form below and choose a Key (rod diameter) to instantly encrypt your message! 🛡️✉️ Please note that this cipher tool is a simplified digital approximation of the Scytale Cipher, and may not produce results equal to those IRL. However, if you use a validated key, this tool should be able to decrypt what it encrypts.

Scytale Cipher Tool

Enter Text (Plain or Cipher):

Note: Numbers must be between 1 and 3999 to be converted to Roman numerals.

Key (Wrap Length / Rod Diameter):

⚠️ Verification Tip: For large keys, please decrypt your resulting encrypted message to ensure the key is valid.

Output:

For information other ciphers and topics:

• Pager Code Look Alike Cipher Tool: This is the full 26-letter system that uses visual tricks with numbers for every letter from the 1990's before texting. This cipher will translate messages into this OG secret messaging. [Try out this cipher tool on your own messages.]

• Beeper Codes: Need a super-fast message? These are simple, standardized three-digit messages used as quick status updates (e.g., 143 for "I love you"). [View the Beeper Code Dictionary] 

• Calculator Method: Possibly the original code for pagers, limited but still useful, and meant to be read upside down (e.g., 07734 for "hELLO") [See the Calculator Method]