Print this page The Cross: Symbol, Power and Meaning

The cross is one of the most recognisable symbols in the world — but its history is far older and more complex than its association with Christianity might suggest. This illustrated course explores the origins, development and changing meanings of the cross across history. Looking at archaeology, ancient cultures, Christianity, art and material culture, participants will discover how a simple geometric form became a powerful symbol with many different meanings. The course considers cross-like symbols before Christianity, the adoption of the cross by early Christians, the development of different forms of Christian crosses, and their use in art, architecture, objects and everyday life.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE OUTLINE

• The Cross Before Christianity
• From Roman Execution to Christian Symbol
• Many Crosses: Forms and Traditions
• The Cross in Art: A Glimpse of Iconography
• The Cross in History and Everyday Life

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand that the cross as a geometric form predates Christianity and has been used in many cultural and historical contexts.
• Explore how and why the cross became the central symbol of Christianity.
• Recognise and distinguish several different forms of crosses and understand their historical and cultural associations.
• Explore how the meaning of the cross changed from an instrument of execution to a symbol of faith, sacrifice, resurrection and hope.
• Recognise selected elements of Christian iconography associated with the cross.
• Examine examples of crosses in archaeology, art, architecture and material culture.
• Develop a more critical approach to interpreting symbols in historical and archaeological material.