From its simplicity of form, the cross...

From its simplicity of form, the cross has been used both as a religious symbol and as an ornament, from the dawn of. . . civilization. Various objects, dating from periods long anterior to the Christian era, have been found, marked with crosses of different designs, in almost every part of the old world. India, Syria, Persia, and Egypt have all yielded numerous examples, with numerous instances, dating from the later Stone Age to Christian times, have been found in every part of Europe.