Toynbee tiles are mysterious and cryptic messages embedded in the asphalt of streets in several major cities across the United States and South America. These tiles, which began appearing in the 1980s, are typically about the size of a license plate and are made from layers of linoleum and asphalt glue. The messages on the tiles generally reference a bizarre mix of themes, including the works of historian Arnold J. Toynbee, the film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and a conspiracy to resurrect the dead on the planet Jupiter.
Origin and Discovery
The first known Toynbee tiles were discovered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over time, similar tiles began to appear in other cities such as New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and even as far as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite their widespread presence, the identity of the person or persons responsible for creating and installing the tiles remains unknown.
Typical Messages
The most common message found on the tiles reads:
“TOYNBEE IDEA IN MOViE `2001 RESURRECT DEAD ON PLANET JUPITER”
Some tiles include additional text, often ranting about political and social issues or criticizing the media.
Theories and Speculation
Several theories have been proposed to explain the origin and meaning of the tiles:
- Toynbee and Kubrick Connection: Some believe the tiles reference ideas from Arnold J. Toynbee’s writings on human civilization combined with themes from Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” particularly regarding human resurrection and the colonization of space.
- A Single Creator: Many tiles are thought to be the work of a single individual, possibly a reclusive artist or a person with eccentric views on science and resurrection.
- Copycats: While the original tiles are attributed to a single source, it is believed that copycats have created similar tiles in recent years.
Cultural Impact
The Toynbee tiles have captured the public’s imagination, inspiring documentaries, books, and online forums dedicated to unraveling their mystery. The 2011 documentary “Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles” explores various theories and potential suspects, bringing more attention to the phenomenon.
Despite numerous investigations and growing public interest, the true story behind the Toynbee tiles remains an enigma. The tiles continue to appear, captivating urban explorers and conspiracy theorists alike. Whether they are the work of a lone visionary or a collaborative effort, the Toynbee tiles are a unique urban mystery that continues to intrigue and perplex.