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what is the Egyptian symbol for life? Where Did the Ankh Come From? The Ankh in Ancient Egyptian Culture Examples of Ankh Depictions in Egypt The Ankh As a Symbol in Other CulturesThe power of the ankh as an Egyptian symbol for life was so strong that several other ancient civilizations also adopted it. In Near Eastern art, the ankh was often depicted alongside Egyptian deities who had been introduced into the pantheons of Syria and Canaan; it also became part of the artistic culture of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and Crete. In Africa, the Meroitic Kingdom (located to the south of Egypt in modern-day Sudan) adopted many of their neighbors’ beliefs and practices, including the use of the ankh symbol to represent mortal and everlasting life. In Egypt, the ankh was one of the only ancient symbols to survive when Christianity began to replace paganism from the first century AD onwards. The Coptic Christians embraced its message of eternal life but adapted it to relate to the spiritual immortality they believed awaited the followers of Christ. The oval-shaped loop at the top of the ankh was replaced with a circular one, thereby creating the Coptic alternative to the traditional four-posted cross known as the crux ansata. Meaning of the Ankh in Modern Times Ashraf has led private tours through Egypt's archaeological sites for over 20 years. Based in Cairo, he works with licensed Egyptologist guides to create itineraries that connect travelers directly with 5,000 years of history — from the Pyramids of Giza to the tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Every article on this blog draws on firsthand knowledge of the sites, the history, and the practical realities of traveling Egypt. TripAdvisor 4.9 ★ — 2,652 reviews 20+ Years Operating in Egypt All Tours Private & Egyptologist-Led

The Ankh: An Egyptian Symbol for Life