Old SymbolsWhere every symbol began

Plate 1 A cross with a loop in place of its upper arm

Ankh

The ancient Egyptian hieroglyph for 'life'.

Egyptian hieroglyphics. Also called crux ansata, key of life.

Origin and history

Used to write the word ꜥnḫ, 'life', from the Early Dynastic period on. Gods are shown holding it to a king's nose or mouth, giving the breath of life. What object it first pictured is still debated; a sandal strap and a knotted girdle are the usual candidates.

Sources

  1. Reading Egyptian Art, by Richard H. Wilkinson, Thames & Hudson

Last reviewed September 23, 2026.