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Symbolism
The Fish as a Christian Symbol (Ichthys)
The early Christian use of the fish symbol - the Greek word ICHTHYS as an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."
Era: Ancient Region: Mediterranean Year: 200
📖 Overview
The stylized fish became one of the earliest Christian symbols during Roman persecution. The Greek word ΙΧΘΥΣ (ichthys) spells out an acronym: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter - Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Fish also appear in multiple Gospel accounts (miraculous catches, feeding of 5000, Jesus calling fishermen as disciples). Todays car-bumper fish symbol descends from Roman-era catacomb graffiti.