The Cross in the Arts of the Egyptian civilization

The Egyptian civilization began in ancient times and passed through various historical eras. Initially, Egyptian art was simple, consisting of symbolic and pictorial shapes representing the symbols used in daily life. However, over time, this art evolved, and Egyptian artists began carving on polished stones. The skill of this art is evident in several artifacts that still stand today. Among the symbols used by ancient Egyptian artists was the cross, known in its primitive form as the "Ankh," also called the "Key of the Nile." The ancient Egyptians carried the Ankh as an amulet for protection and to ward off evil spirits, similar to how the Assyrians in Mesopotamia wore the cross as an amulet to repel evil spirits and to grant them strength in battles. This symbol appeared on various seals, tablets, and obelisks, alongside images of deities and in sacred scenes, often accompanying other religious symbols. When Christianity emerged in Egypt, Egyptians used the Ankh instead of the cross to avoid persecution. Later, they adopted the cross as a symbol of their Christian faith, representing Jesus Christ, and placed it on their tombs, churches, and the walls of their homes. The cross appeared in ancient Egyptian civilization in various forms, including the equal-armed cross, the cross resembling the Ankh, the Christian cross, the cross with a tuft of hair, and the cross carried by a shell, among other forms of the cross