Your question: Does the cross predate Christianity?

When was the cross invented?

History doesn’t name the inventor though we know it most likely started with the Assyrians or Babylonians. The cross was then used systematically by the Persians throughout the 6th century BC. Alexander the Great brought crucifixion to the eastern Mediterranean countries by the 4th century BC.

What does the Bible say about the cross?

Mark 10:21 KJV. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

What was the first symbol of Christianity?

History of Christian symbols

The original symbol of the early Christians was not the cross, but the monogram of Christ XP (first letters Chi and Rho of the Greek orthography ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ “Christ”). Moreover, at that time the followers of Jesus used a stylised fish as a secret sign to identify themselves as Christians.

Are all crosses religious?

Crosses are a popular form of religious iconography. Most of them represent various denominations of Christian religions, but this is not true for all crosses. They appear on churches, tombstones, and religious books, but you may find some of these in other places as well.