For example, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and depictions of their gods and goddesses often show a cross in the shape of a T with a circle at the top. It is called the ansate, or handle-shaped, cross and is thought to be a symbol of life. In time, this form of the cross was adopted and used extensively by the Coptic Church and others.

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Egyptian wall painting (c. 14th century B.C.E.) featuring the ansate cross, a symbol of life

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© DeA Picture Library/​Art Resource, NY