Case file · Sighting
Cross of light over Jerusalem
Bishop Cyril of Jerusalem wrote to Emperor Constantius II that on 7 May 351 a huge luminous cross appeared over Golgotha, stretching to the Mount of Olives, brighter than the sun, for several hours.
351 CE · 31.78, 35.23 · status: account
The account
Cyril says the whole city, Christians and pagans alike, ran to the churches. The letter survives and is the earliest first-hand report of the event. Some astronomers have suggested a solar halo display.
The sceptical view
A halo with parhelic arcs can form a cross shape around the sun; Cyril also had political reasons to present a sign of divine favour to the emperor.