Celtic Crosses in Perspective

For many, without an historical perspective, it is difficult to appreciate the antiquity of the Celtic Cross.  Notable Celtic Crosses (like the Barochan Cross in Paisley Abbey), for example, were created hundreds of years before the Aztec Ruins (US National Park Monument) were built and occupied in New Mexico from 1100 to 1200 A.D.

Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico

New Mexico's Aztec Ruins (which were misnamed by early pioneers in the "Four Corners" region) were built by Ancestral Puebloans, culturally a Chacoan people.  These are generally known as the Anasazi. 
 

Kiva ruin, Aztec Ruins National Monument

The term "Anasazi"--which means "ancient enemies"--is taken from the Navajo name for these people.  That is an ongoing issue with the present day Pueblo, who dislike the term.  So, the name Anasazi is being phased out of use.

Before these Aztec Ruins were ever built, many Celtic High Crosses were already standing for four hundred years.