<P> The Christian cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus, is the best - known symbol of Christianity . It is related to the crucifix (a cross that includes a usually three - dimensional representation of Jesus' body) and to the more general family of cross symbols . </P> <P> The basic forms of the cross are the Latin cross (✝) and the Greek cross (✚), with numerous variants used in text, visual art, heraldry, and in various confessional contexts . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section may stray from the topic of the article . Please help improve this section or discuss this issue on the talk page . (July 2016) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section may stray from the topic of the article . Please help improve this section or discuss this issue on the talk page . (July 2016) </Td> </Tr>

When did the cross became a religious symbol