Image: Lothair cross, detail

The Lothair Cross is used in processions at Aachen Cathedral and is on display in the Aachen Treasury. It dates from the late 10th century and is believed to have been donated by Emperor Otto III (993-1002). In the center is a cameo of the Emperor Augustus, carved from sardonyx around about the time Christ was born. Normally an image of Christ goes on this spot on a cross, but it may be that Otto wished to fuse the symbolism of Roman emperor and Christ, a combination he represented as Holy Roman Emperor.

Aachen Cathedral Treasury, Germany