Tau Rho
The staurogram (⳨), also monogrammatic cross or ''tau-rho'', is a ligature composed of a superposition of the Greek letters tau (Τ) and rho (Ρ). Early occurrence and significance The symbol is of pre-Christian origin. It is found on copper coins minted by Herod I in 37 BC, interpreted as a ''tr'' ligature representing ''trikhalkon'' indicating the coin value. Abbreviation for ''stauros'' The staurogram was first used to abbreviate ''stauros'' (), the Greek word for cross, in very early New Testament manuscripts such as , and , almost like a nomen sacrum, and may visually have represented Jesus on the cross. Monogram of Christ The Tau-Rho as a Christian symbol outside its function as nomen sacrum in biblical manuscripts appears from used as a '' monogramma Christi'' alongside the Chi-Rho and other variants, spreading to Western Europe in the 5th and 6th centuries. In combination with alpha and omega Ephrem the Syrian (4th century) discusses a Christian symbol, ...
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