THE ANCIENT CROSS

The First Picture of the “Cross Chapel” from the Early 1900’s

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

An intriguing discovery in the ancient city of Pompeii may suggest that the Christian symbol of the Cross was used centuries earlier than previously believed. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a cross-shaped marking on a wall, which appears to be part of a larger structure. Originally located on the second floor of a building, this cross has sparked considerable interest due to its potential dating back to AD 79, the year of Pompeii's catastrophic destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

The site where the cross was found was part of a building complex that, over the years, has been partially destabilized during excavation. As a result, the building's original structure is no longer intact, and the cross, which was once positioned on the second floor, now rests high on the wall. Surrounding evidence of the building itself has disappeared over time, leaving the cross as the key focal point of the find. 

This potential early use of the cross in a building predating the widespread legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire (which occurred in AD 313 with the Edict of Milan) raises fascinating questions. While early Christian symbols have been found in the catacombs and other locations after the legalization of the faith, this find would potentially place the cross in the context of a Christian presence during the late 1st century AD, shortly after the death and resurrection of Christ.

The significance of this discovery lies not only in the possible early use of the cross as a symbol of Christian faith but also in the historical implications. If this dating is correct, it may suggest that Christianity, though persecuted, was already making its mark in certain Roman cities long before Constantine's Edict of Milan. The cross, as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice, would have been an act of defiance and expression of faith for early Christians living in secret, possibly even in private chapels or homes. 

However, some caution must be observed in interpreting these findings. While the symbol may appear to be a cross, further analysis would be needed to confirm its exact meaning and purpose in the context of the building where it was discovered. The use of similar symbols in the broader Greco-Roman world, like the Ankh and the Rod of Asclepius, also raises the possibility that this could be a stylized emblem not necessarily linked to Christianity, though this remains speculative.

Regardless of the conclusion, this discovery in Pompeii adds to the growing body of evidence that early Christianity spread in ways often hidden from the historical record, challenging modern assumptions about the pace and reach of Christian development during the first century. If confirmed, it would further establish the cross as a symbol of profound significance for Christians long before the faith was officially recognized by the Roman Empire.

The next earliest known depiction of the Cross in Christian history is the “Alexamenos Crucifix”, a piece of crass graffiti from around the 2nd century AD. This piece of mockery depicts Christ as a horse-headed figure, with the crude inscription “Alexamenos Worshipping His God” beneath. This mocking image represents the scorn early Christians faced for their faith and highlights the challenges the symbol of the Cross would have presented to a society that saw it as a sign of disgrace. Despite its contemptuous nature, the Alexamenos graffiti also serves as one of the earliest pieces of evidence that the Cross, as a symbol of Christian identity, was in use and identifiable in the Roman Empire even during times of persecution.