Le Zeus and the Sacred Oak: Currency and Myth in Ancient Games
In the heart of ancient Mediterranean cultures, myth and material converged in powerful ways—where the thunder god Zeus embodied divine authority, and the sacred oak stood as a living symbol of cosmic order and exchange. Their enduring presence reveals a profound connection between sacred symbolism, ritualized games, and early economic systems—where myth didn’t just inspire culture, it structured it. This article explores how these archetypal elements shaped ancient societies and echo in modern expressions of value, including digital realms like Twitch’s immersive slot culture.
1. Introduction: The Mythic Roots of Sacred Symbols in Ritual GamesAcross Indo-European traditions, Zeus emerges as a universal archetype: king of the gods,