The Globus Cruciger Latin for (cross-bearing orb) is an orb (latin- globus), surmounted (latin- gerere = to wear), with a cross (latin- crux), also known as "the orb and cross.”
It is a Christian symbol that dates back to the medieval era and even today on coins, iconography, and royal regalia.
It features a cross placed upon an orb, symbolizing Christianity’s dominion and authority over the world.

Before the advent of Christianity, various statue of gods were depicted in the Roman Empire holding the Orb with a goddess on top of it to showcase the victory of romans to dominate under their authority on the earth.

The Roman God Jupiter (Greek: Zeus) is often portrayed holding an orb, symbolizing his authority over the world.
Also, a coin from the 2nd century depicts the Roman God Salus with his foot on an orb (symbolizing domination and ruthlessness) while a 4th century coin depicts the Roman emperor Constantine the First with an orb in his hand (symbolizing total authority).

After the adoption of Christianity by the romans, they replaced the globe with a cross on top of it to illustrate the idea of a christian emperor dominate the world through his authority.
The globus cruciger is an important component in royal regalia in some European monarchies, often carried together with a sceptre.

During the Renaissance, the symbol found use in the Western art and was included in portraits of Jesus Christ. When Christ himself is depicted as holding the Globus Cruciger, the subject is called Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World).
The globus cruciger can also be seen on the top of the papal tiara worn by the Pope. Considering that the Pope had just as much temporal power as the Roman Emperor, it’s fitting that he also had the authority to display the globus cruciger.

Nevertheless the Pagan symbol is still present after the Edict of Milan in 313.
The Pagans used the globe as a symbol of authority. Holding it in one’s hands or having it under the foot was a clear visual message of established power or supremacy over the world.
From Rome, the Globus Cruciger was also used in Byzatine Empire which is evident in the coin of Emperor Leontius.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_Jesus_of_Prague
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Globus_cruciger_in_heraldry



Who are the early “Chrestians”?