Muiredach Cross #196

Muiredach’s High Cross is the finest of its kind in Ireland. It is found at Monasterboice, which was founded in the 5th century by an obscure disciple of St. Patrick called St. Buite. This medieval monastery is one of Ireland’s best-known and oldest religious sites, with the ruins of two churches and a Round Tower. The Cross of Muiredach, a massive 17ft 8in, 10th century monolith is remarkably well preserved despite more than 1000 years of weathering.

The scenes are from bottom upwards:
1) The Fall of Man shows Adam and Eve, and Cain slaying Abel alongside.
2) David struggling with Goliath
3) Moses smites the rock to obtain water for the Israelites
4) Adoration of the Magi

Center: The last judgment shows Christ in Glory surrounded by a crowd of resurrected souls. The devil stands on his left clutching a pitchfork, ready to chase the damned souls to Hell. Below Christ’s feet are the scales of judgment

Top: St. Anthony and St. Paul meeting in the desert.