Globus cruciger

The globus cruciger (Latin) is an orb (globus) topped with a cross (cruciger), a Christian symbol of authority used throughout the Middle Ages on coins, iconography and royal regalia. It symbolises God's (the cross) dominion over the world (the orb), literally held in the dominion of an earthly ruler (or sometimes celestial being such as an angel). The first known use was in 423 on the reverse side of the coins of Emperor Theodosius II.

Related Topics:
Latin - Orb - Cross - Christian - Middle Ages - Iconography - Regalia - 423 - Emperor Theodosius II

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The visual symbolism of holding the world (in Latin orbis terrarum, the 'circle of countries', hence the word orb) in one's hand, or perhaps even more ominously under one's foot, was a clear message used since antiquity among pagans. Citizens of Rome were familiar with the plain round orb as a representation of the world or universe, and the emperor's dominion and protectorate over it; for example a 4th century coin from the reign of Emperor Constantine I shows him holding a globus in hand; and a 2nd century coin from the reign of Emperor Hadrian shows the Roman god Salus with his foot upon a globus.

Related Topics:
Antiquity - Pagan - Rome - 4th century - Emperor Constantine I - 2nd century - Emperor Hadrian - Roman god - Salus

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With the growth of Christianity in the 5th century, the orb was topped with a cross (hence globus cruciger), symbolising the Christian God's dominion over the world. Symbolically to Christians, the emperor held the world in his hand, on behalf of God. To non-Christians already familiar with the pagan orb, the surmounting of a cross sent a message about the triumph of Christianity. Scale and size in the mediaeval mind (iconography) was important in the sense of relative size to other objects around it; the world is seen small and the ruler or celestial being large, to emphasis the importance of each element.

Related Topics:
Christianity - Cross

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The Globus cruciger was used by powerful rulers and celestial beings alike; it adorned portrayals of both emperors and archangels. It first appeared on coins in the early 5th century and remained popular throughout the Middle Ages in coins, iconography and royal regalia. Even in the modern era in England, the Sovereign's Orb symbolises both the state and Church (of England) under the protection and domain of the royal crown.

Related Topics:
Celestial being - Emperor - Archangel - Coin - 5th century - Middle Ages - Iconography - Regalia - England

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