During usual excavations in the north-eastern part of the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura in 1912, this cross was found carved into the top of a polished granite pillar of an excavated structure. Design of the cross Studies in Syriac iconography have pointed to a number of recurring design features that are characteristic of Nestorian crosses. The Anuradhapura Cross has three of these composite motifs, making it one of the best examples of this type of design. They are as follows: i. the design with leaves that comes from the base of the cross; ii. the pearls that are located at the end of each arm of the cross; and iii. the base of a pedestal with three steps that represent the three stages of paradise.
