The symbolism brings together the circle and the line: the sphere represents the world, while the upright emblem extends above it, joining earthly dominion to heavenly authority. The globus cruciger became an established symbol of imperial power in the [[Roman Empire|late Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] periods and subsequently appeared in European royal regalia. Its origins and religious significance have also been examined by Alexander Hislop in his book ''[[The Two Babylons]]''.<ref name="Hislop1">Alexander Hislop, [https://cbcg.org/twobaby/sect225.html ''The Two Babylons'', Chapter II, Section II, Sub-section V, "The Deification of the Child"].</ref> | The symbolism brings together the circle and the line: the sphere represents the world, while the upright emblem extends above it, joining earthly dominion to heavenly authority. The globus cruciger became an established symbol of imperial power in the [[Roman Empire|late Roman]] and [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] periods and subsequently appeared in European royal regalia. Its origins and religious significance have also been examined by Alexander Hislop in his book ''[[The Two Babylons]]''.<ref name="Hislop1">Alexander Hislop, [https://cbcg.org/twobaby/sect225.html ''The Two Babylons'', Chapter II, Section II, Sub-section V, "The Deification of the Child"].</ref> |