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ca. 3rd/4th Century C.E.
Chi-Rho, a monogram or abbreviation for 'Christ'
Exampler of the Chi-Rho are frequently observed in 'Christian' art beginning perhaps in the early third or fourth centuries A.D.
This design is a combination of the first two greek letters in the spelling of the word 'Christ'. This design iwas used on sarcophagus (i.e. stone coffin) within a crown of laurel on a wreath, which was held in the beak of an imperial eagle, as a symbol of power, etc. Unknown to the first century Christians, symbols such as the Chi-Rho began to be incorporated into the apostate Christian church along with many other pagan ideas and beliefs.
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