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[[File:Knossos 07.jpeg|thumbnail|300px|left|Figure 1. Europe's oldest known throne room is from Knossos in Crete, which is reconstructed here.]]__NOTOC__
The throne has been a type of royal furniture that has often been associated with the very nature of monarchy. A monarch's authority is often symbolized through the throne and how elaborate or sometimes simple the throne may be has come to symbolize the country in which they rule. While modern government in the West has eschewed monarchy, the throne still retains an important symbolic power that also has religious and other cultural connotations.
==Early Thrones and Cultures==
[[File:Teocalli.jpeg|thumbnail|300px|left|Figure 2. The so-called throne of Montezuma. ]]
From the very first evidence of the establishment of royal authority we begin to see a throne or idea of a raised seat depicted in royal imagery. Both in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, depictions of thrones are shown soon after those regions developed royal power. The throne was not just a raised seat but also was placed into a special room, the throne room, where royalty began to receive and meet with foreigners and subjects alike. Thrones were already decorated, often made with ebony, cedar, and gilded with gold or even ivory. Thrones also became raised, to show the status of the king. Often a large stone slab or platform was used to raise the seat. For Egypt, this was particularly important because the king (or pharaoh) was also a god and being raised indicated the divine nature of authority.<ref>For more on early monarchs and thrones in Egypt and Mesopotamia, see:Houston, M.G. (2002) <i>Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian & Persian costume.</i> Mineola, N.Y, Dover Publications.</ref>
Thrones were also independently used in the New World. Aztec gods, such as Ehecatl, were shown as seated on thrones. An elaborate throne in Tenochtitlan was found, called the throne of Montezuma (Figure 2), which was used for religious and royal ceremony. The Aztec king likely sat on it to perform his religious duties where he made contact with the earth and sun, acting as the sacred guardian of both these important symbols of religious authority.<ref>For more on Mayan thrones, see: McKillop, H. (2004) <i>The ancient Maya: new perspectives.</i> ABC-Clio’s understanding ancient civilizations. Santa Barbara,Calif., ABC-CLIO, pg. 220</ref><ref>For more on the Aztec thrones, see: Mundy, B.E. (2015) <i>The death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, the life of Mexico City.</i> Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long series in Latin American and Latino art and culture. Austin, University of Texas Press, pg. 216</ref>
==Later Authority==
[[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>
In Asia, thrones continued to be named such as the Peacock throne in Korean, India, and Iran. The throne of Japan is known as the Chrysanthemum Throne (Figure 3). Islamic thrones were often simple, or at least free from pictured art; however, they could contain verses from the Quran. In effect, the ruler was intended to show himself more as a humble servant of God rather than depicted elaborately. In Islam, one of God's great creations is his throne, where it was exalted high above in paradise. In effect, this is similar to Christian, Jewish, and pre-monotheistic concepts of a seated deity. However, now, human thrones had to adjust to become more simplified, as thrones that were too elaborate would suggest worship of a human.<ref>For more on Islam and Islamic rulers, see: Lange, C.R. (2016) <i>Paradise and hell in Islamic traditions.</i> New York, NY, Cambridge University Press.</ref>
==Modern Symbolism==
For democratic states that have evolved out of ancient monarchies, the throne still has important meaning to government. In Japan, the Chrysanthemum Throne is described as reflecting the unity and deep history of Japan, as the monarchy in that state is the longest continuing monarchy known to us.<ref>For more on modern Japan and its throne, see: Martin, P. (1997) <i>The chrysanthemum throne: a history of the emperors of Japan.</i> Honolulu, University of Hawai’i Press.</ref> In the United Kingdom, the coronation throne, held in Westminster Abbey, looks to be a relatively simple looking chair that the monarch is crowned in. It was once decorated and gilded; however, the aged appearance is part of the symbolism, as it reflects the long continuity of the monarchy. The throne is still used as the symbol of official government power in the UK, where the Queen opens parliament while seated on an elaborate, decorated throne where she is also dressed in her royal jewelry and crown.<ref>For more on the modern throne and government in the UK, see : Lyon, A. (2003) <i> Constitutional history of the UK. </i>London ; Portland, Or, Cavendish Pub, pg. 303.</ref>
==Summary==
Thrones have become symbols of royal power and authority but they are also important symbols for the divine and religious authority. The history of thrones shows a connection to some of the earliest written records, indicating that thrones have been a depiction of power from early history. More recently, the concept of a raised chair has continued, where government heads and leaders of legislation sit on a raised position in English speaking modern democracies, demonstrating some continuity with the idea of a raised throne.
==References==
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