Jerusalem cross

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/jerusalem-cross

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the heraldic classification?A heraldic cross and Christian cross variant
2. What is the primary historical association?Coat of arms of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem
3. Why are there four little crosses on the Jerusalem cross?They represent the four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and show the Christian message spreading to all corners of the world.
4. Where did the Jerusalem cross first appear?It first appeared after the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem was founded in 1099 and was used on the kingdom’s coat of arms.

Cross Potent: A cross whose arms terminate in a tau or 'T' shape, often symbolizing authority or power.
Greek Cross: A cross with four arms of equal length, forming a symmetrical shape often associated with early Christian art.
Heraldry: The study and design of coats of arms, crests, and other armorial bearings.
Evangelists: The authors of the four canonical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, central figures in Christian scripture.