The
globus cruciger (
Latin, "cross-bearing orb"), also known as the
orb and cross, an orb (Latin
globus) topped (Latin
gerere, to wear) by a
cross (Latin
crux), has been a
Christian symbol of authority since the
Middle Ages, used on coins, in
iconography, and with the sceptre as royal
regalia. The cross represents Christ's dominion over the orb of the world, literally held in the hand of an earthly ruler (or sometimes it is held by an angel). In the
iconography of Western art, when Christ himself holds the globe, he is called
Salvator Mundi, the Saviour of the World; his statue is the
Infant Jesus of Prague.