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Chi-Rho uses

Started by livingwater, March 28, 2019, 05:34:00 PM

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livingwater

I found a discussion about ancient uses of the Chi-Rho on web site Historum.  I was not aware the Chi-Rho was used by some Romans as an abbreviation for "centurion."  Of course it was also used by Christians and Constantine I as a symbol for Christ.   Words and symbols can have different meanings and change over time.  Here's pics of the sources cited.  One is an inscription from Sardis, the other a papyrus in Berlin.

Victor

thanks for the article, I did not know that.

the chi-rho was also used on Greek coins for a control mark, maybe the initials of someone.

Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Ptolemy III Euergetes. Æ Diobol (29mm   21.0gm) Alexandria, circa 245-222 B.C.; Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, eagle left on thunderbolt; in front cornucopiae; between legs chi-rho monogram. SNG Copenhagen 176-177.

livingwater

Yes, I have one of those Ptolemy III coins with chi-rho under the eagle.