Changes

[[File:Taisho enthronement.jpeg|thumbnail|left|300px|Figure 3. The throne used to coronate Emperor Taishō.]]

Taking the idea of royal and religious thrones, when Christianity developed it was seen that both high priests, such as bishops or the pope, had authority to sit on thrones as well as kings. In effect, the close nature and symbolism shared between royal and religious power led to similar displays developed in cathedrals, churches, and palaces. European royal thrones, however, developed into more simple designs in contrast to earlier periods or from the royal thrones in Asia (e.g., China or India). Initially in Europe, kings tried to fashion themselves as continuing the traditions of Rome. Royal thrones became more simple as a sign of respect to religious authority and God.<ref>For more on European thrones in the early Medieval period, see: Collins, R. (2010) <i>Early medieval Europe, 300-1000.</i> History of Europe. 3rd ed. Houndmills, Basingstoke [England] ; New York, NY, Palgrave Macmillan.</ref>

As royal thrones generally became simple in decoration in Europe, religious ones became more elaborate. Bishop thrones in cathedrals or eastern Orthodox thrones, in particular, became gilded with gold and elaborately decorated. The raised platforms, similar to royal thrones, began to symbolize the religious authority figures such as bishops and popes had to teach the masses. In fact, the elaborate nature of thrones became one of the issues that the Reformation decried against.<ref>For more on religious thrones, see: McNamara, D.R. (2009) <i>Catholic church architecture and the spirit of the liturgy.</i> Chicago, Hillenbrand Books.</ref>