An Ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol in the shape of a cross with a loop at the top associated with life and eternal life after death.

What is the earliest evidence of the ankh in history?

The ankh first appears in ancient Egypt during the Early Dynastic Period, c. 3150-2613 BCE.

What is the meaning of the ankh?

The ankh is an Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol meaning "life" or "breath of life" and is associated with life on earth, the afterlife, immortality, eternity, and divinity.

Is the ankh the source of the Christian cross symbol?

Scholars believe the ankh is the precursor of the Christian Cross symbol as it was adopted by the Coptic Christians of Egypt in the 4th century CE to symbolize their god just as it had earlier been associated with the gods & goddesses of Egypt.

The Ankh

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Definition

The Ankh is one of the most recognizable symbols from ancient Egypt, known as "the key of life" or "cross of life" and dated to the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150 - 2613 BCE). It is a cross with a loop at the top sometimes ornamented with symbols or decorative flourishes but usually just a plain gold cross.

More about: The Ankh

Timeline

c. 3150 BCE - c. 2613 BCE
Ankh symbol appears during the Early Dynastic Period in Egypt.
c. 2613 BCE - c. 2181 BCE
The Ankh is firmly established as a symbol of life and the afterlife.
c. 2040 BCE - c. 1782 BCE
Ankh symbol appears in household use as mirrors and amulets.
1353 BCE - 1336 BCE
Ankh used in the Amarna Period of Egypt by Akhenaten, linked to the god Aten.
1279 BCE - 1213 BCE
Ankh in use during the reign of Ramesses II.
c. 415 CE
Ankh adopted by Coptic Christians of Egypt as a symbol of the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.