That's why I'm following the creation of https://tildes.net very closely. It's Deimos' pet project and it removes the downvote in favor of slashdot style tags. Users can filter all "joke" tags for example in the comments. Since jokes are highly valued on reddit comments for karma generation that will have a massive impact on how topics are discussed. Conversely, "wtf" and "controversial" can be filtered for a more reddit-like comment section.
"Breaking the Maya Code" is a fascinating documentary (from the book by the same name and author) on the decipherment of the Maya language to the point that now the Mayan language is starting to be taught to high school children in the region. ( https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Maya-Code-David-Lebrun/dp/B01AVJ3L6E/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Breaking+the+Maya+Code+movie&qid=1595346136&s=digital-text&sr=1-1-catcorr Sorry, using the Fancy Pants Editor causes the box to break when inserting a link for me)
There are similar books and movies about figuring out the Egyptian language. Probably others, too.