A01=Dieter T. Roth
Ancient abbreviations
Author_Dieter T. Roth
Biblical symbolism
Category=QRMF
Category=QRMF14
Chi-Rho symbol
Christian archaeology
Christian iconography
Christian monograms
Christogram
Constantine
Cross of Christ
Cross symbolism
Crucifixion
Early Christian art
Early Christian manuscripts
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eq_isMigrated=2
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forthcoming
Greek ligature
Nomina sacra
NT papyri
Scribal culture
Staurogram
Tau-Rho ligature
Visual theology
Product details
- ISBN 9780567704085
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 23 Jul 2026
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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Dieter T. Roth presents an extensive study of the so-called “staurogram,” argued to be the earliest visual depiction of the crucifixion of Christ. Roth examines the origins of this depiction in early New Testament manuscripts as a ligature or compendium of two letters in certain abbreviations of the words “cross” (stauros in Greek) or “crucify” (stauroo in Greek) in which the Greek letter rho is superimposed upon the Greek letter tau. In this work, the staurogram, ultimately understood to be a simple yet powerful depiction of Jesus crucified, is analyzed and located within the framework of ancient abbreviations, the nomina sacra, and the developing Christian visual culture in order to offer, for the first time, a wide-ranging presentation of this symbol in early Christianity. From the symbol’s origins within words in some of our earliest, extant New Testament manuscripts to its use as a free-standing Christogram, this volume provides important insight into how Christians, beginning with the staurogram, depicted visually their faith in a crucified Christ.
Dieter T. Roth is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Boston College, USA.
