Throne 256323 218761950 2008-06-12T01:34:29Z Berkunt 7077148 rv vandalism :''This article is about royal thrones; for the order of [[angel]]s by the same name see [[thrones]].'' [[Image:canada_senate_chairs.jpg|thumb|250px|right|The thrones for [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|The Queen of Canada]], and the [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Duke of Edinburgh]] (back) in the [[Canadian Senate]], [[Ottawa]] are usually occupied by the [[Governor General of Canada|Governor General]] and his/her spouse at the Opening of Parliament. The chair in the foreground is for the speaker of the senate.]] A '''throne''' is the official [[chair]] or seat upon which a [[monarch]] is seated on state or ceremonial occasions. "Throne" in an abstract sense can also refer to the [[monarchy]] or [[the Crown]] itself, an instance of [[metonymy]], and is also used in many terms such as "[[power behind the throne|the power behind the throne]]". ==Thrones in ancient cultures== [[Image:Inside_the_Forbidden_City.jpg|thumb|250px|During the [[History of China|Middle Kingdom]] period, the [[Dragon Throne]] of the [[Emperor of China]] was erected at the center of the [[Forbidden City]], which was itself regarded as the centre of the world. The series of gates and passages a visitor had to pass through before reaching the emperor was intended to inspire awe.]] [[Image:Thronsaal, Residenz München.jpg|thumb|200px|Royal thrones in the [[Residenz]] of [[Munich]], [[Bavaria]]]] Thrones have been the symbol of [[monarch]]s and [[Deity|deities]] since [[ancient times]]. In some cultures, an early form of the throne was used in [[coronation]] ceremonies, or to lift the monarch up above all others present. Thrones have ever since been associated with royal power. The [[Greeks]] (according to [[Homer]]) were known to place additional, empty thrones in the royal [[palace]]s and [[temple]]s so that the gods could be seated when they wished to be. The most famous of these thrones was the [[throne of Apollo]] in [[Amyclae]]. The [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] also had two types of thrones- one for the [[Roman Emperor|Emperor]] and one for the goddess [[Roma (mythology)|Roma]] whose statues were seated upon thrones, which became centers of worship. The [[Hittites]] considered thrones to be gods themselves. ==Thrones and the Bible== The word "throne" appears in the [[Bible]] 176 times ("thrones", in the plural, appears 9 times).<ref>{{Citation | last =Strong, LL.D., S.T.D. | first =James | title =Strong's Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible | place=Nashville | publisher =Thomas Nelson Publishers | year =2001 | edition =Red Letter | isbn =ISBN 0-7852-4539-1}} </ref> God is described as seated upon a throne in the manner of kings, as a sign of his sovereignty over [[creation]]. [[Image:King Solomon.jpg|thumb|left|Fanciful depiction of [[Solomon]] on his throne]] In the '''[[Old Testament]]''', King David and King [[Solomon]] (as God's representative on earth) are depicted upon thrones: "Moreover the king made a great throne of [[ivory]], and overlaid it with the best [[gold]]" ({{bibleverse|1|Kings|10:18|HE}}). [[Isaiah]] mentions the same throne: ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|9:6-7|HE}}): "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the [[Prince of Peace]]. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of [[David]], and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." [[Image:Saint John on Patmos.jpg|thumb|left|Vision of [[John of Patmos]] from the [[Book of Revelation]] ({{bibleverse-nb||Rev|4:4|KJV}})—four [[seraphim]] surround the throne of Christ, twenty-four elders sit on thrones to either side (''[[Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry]]'')]] In the '''[[New Testament]]''', the [[Angel]] [[Gabriel]] also refers to this throne in the [[Gospel of Luke]] ({{bibleverse-nb||Luke|1:32-33|KJV}}): "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the [[Lord]] [[God]] will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." [[Jesus]] promised his [[Twelve Apostles|Apostles]] that they would sit upon "twelve thrones", judging the [[twelve tribes of Israel]] ({{bibleverse||Matthew|19:28|KJV}}). [[John the Evangelist|John]]'s [[Book of Revelations|Revelation]] states: "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away" ({{bibleverse||Revelation|20:11|KJV}}). The [[Paul of Tarsus|Apostle Paul]] speaks of "[[thrones]]" in {{bibleverse||Colossians|1:16|KJV}}. [[Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite]], in his work, ''[[De Coelesti Hierarchia]]'' (VI.7) interprets this as referring to one of the ranks of [[angel]]s (corresponding to the Hebrew ''Arelim'' or ''[[Ophanim]]''). This concept was expanded upon by [[Thomas Aquinas]] in his ''[[Summa Theologica]]'' (I.108), wherein the thrones are concerned with carrying out divine justice. In [[Medieval]] times the "Throne of Solomon" was associated with the [[Virgin Mary]], who was depicted as the throne upon which Jesus sat. The ivory in the biblical description of the Throne of Solomon was interpreted as representing purity, the gold representing divinity, and the six steps of the throne stood for the six [[virtues]]. {{bibleverse||Psalm|45:9|KJV}} was also interpreted as referring to the Virgin Mary, the entire Psalm describing a royal throne room. ==Ecclesiastical thrones== {{main|Cathedra}} [[Image:Patriarch of Constantinople throne.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Throne of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople in the [[Phanar]], Istanbul. On the diaz the [[Gospel Book|Gospel]] is enthroned, in front of it, lower down is the patriarch's throne.]] From ancient times, [[bishop]]s of the [[Roman Catholic]], [[Eastern Orthodox]], [[Anglican]] and other churches where episcopal offices exist, have been formally seated on a throne, called a ''cathedra'' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: κάθεδρα, seat). Traditionally located in the [[sanctuary]], the cathedra symbolizes the bishop's authority to teach the faith (hence the expression "[[ex cathedra]]") and to govern his flock. "Ex cathedra" refers to the explicative authority, notably the extremely rarely used procedure required for a papal declaration to be '[[Papal infallibility|infallible]]' under Roman Catholic [[Canon law (Catholic Church)|Canon law]]. In several languages the word deriving from ''cathedra'' is commonly used for an academic teaching mandate, the professorial chair. From the presence of this cathedra (throne), which can be as elaborate and precious as fits a secular prince (even if the prelate is not a [[prince of the church]] in the secular sense), a bishop's primary church is called a [[cathedral]]. In the Roman Catholic Church, a [[basilica]] -from the Greek ''basilikos'' 'royal'-, now refers to the presence there of a papal [[canopy]] (''[[ombrellino]]''), part of his [[Papal regalia and insignia|regalia]], and applies mainly to many cathedrals and Catholic churches of similar importance and/or splendor. In Roman Antiquity a basilica was secular public hall. Thus, the term basilica may also refer to a church designed after the manner of the ancient Roman basilica. Many of the churches built by the emperor [[Constantine the Great]] and [[Justinian]] are of the basilica style. Some other [[prelates]] besides bishops are permitted the use of thrones. For instance, [[abbot]]s and [[abbess]]es. These are often simpler than the thrones used by bishops and there may be restrictions on the style and ornamentation used on them, according to the regulations and traditions of the particular denomination. As a mark of distinction, Roman Catholic bishops and higher prelates have a right to a canopy above their thrones at certain ecclesiastical functions. It is sometimes granted by special [[privilege]] to prelates inferior to bishops, but always with limitations as to the days on which it may be used and the character of its ornamentation. The [[liturgical colour]] of the canopy should correspond with that of the other vestments. When ruling monarchs attend services, they are also allowed to be seated on a throne that is covered by a canopy, but their seats must be outside the sanctuary. <ref>{{cite encyclopedia | title =Canopy | encyclopedia =The Catholic Encyclopedia | volume =III | pages = | publisher =New York: Robert Appleton Company | date =1908 | url =http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03297c.htm | accessdate =2007-07-12}}</ref> In the [[Greek Orthodox Church]], the bishop's throne will often combine features of the monastic choir stall (''[[kathisma]]'') with appurtenances inherited from the Byzantine court, such as a pair of lions seated at the foot of the throne. The term "throne" is often used in reference to [[Patriarchs]] to designate their ecclesiastical authority; for instance, "the Ecumenical Throne" refers to the authority of the [[Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople]]. Western bishops may also use a [[faldstool]] to fulfill the liturgical purpose of the cathedra when not in their own cathedral. ===Papal Thrones=== [[Image:Cathedra Petri.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Cathedra Sancti Petri'', behind the [[high altar]] of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome]] In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Pope]] is an [[elected monarchy|elected monarch]], both under [[Canon law (Catholic Church)|canon law]] as [[papal supremacy|supreme head of the church]], and under [[international law]] as the [[head of state]] -styled "sovereign pontiff"- of the [[Vatican City State]] (the sovereign state located within the city of Rome established by the [[Lateran Treaty ]]in 1929. Until 1870 the Pope was the elected monarch of the [[Papal States]], which for centuries constituted one of the largest political powers on the divided Italian peninsula). To this day the [[Holy See]] maintains officially-recognized diplomatic status, and papal [[nuncio]]s and [[papal legate|legates]] are deputed on [[diplomatic mission]]s throughout the world. The throne upon which the [[Pope]] is traditionally seated as [[Bishop of Rome]] (the ''Cathedra Romana''), is located in the [[apse]] of the [[Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano|Basilica of St. John Lateran]], his [[cathedral]]. The throne upon which he sits as Pope is in the apse of [[St. Peter's Basilica]] at the Vatican. Enshrined above this throne is an armchair believed to have been used by [[Saint Peter]], the first pope. This [[relic]] is known as the ''[[Chair of Saint Peter|Cathedra Sancti Petri]]'' (Chair of Saint Peter). [[Image:GestatorialChair1.jpg|270px|right|thumb|[[Pope Pius XII]], is carried through St. Peter's Basilica on a [[sedia gestatoria]] with papal [[flabella]] on either side.]] In the past, the pope was also carried on occasions in a portable throne, called the ''[[sedia gestatoria]]''. Originally, the ''sedia'' was used as part of the elaborate, ostentatious pomp surrounding papal ceremonies that was believed to be the most direct heir of [[pharaoh|pharaonic]] splendour, and included a pair of [[flabellum|flabella]] (fans made from ostrich feathers) to either side. [[Pope John Paul I]] at first abandoned the use of these implements, but later in his brief reign began to use the ''sedia'' so that he could be seen more easily by the crowds. However, he did not restore the use of the flabella. The use of the ''sedia'' was abandoned by [[Pope John Paul II]] in favor of the so-called "[[popemobile]]" when outside. Near the end of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II had a specially-constructed throne on wheels that could be used inside. Prior to 1978, at the [[Papal conclave]], each [[cardinal (Catholic)|cardinal]] was seated on a throne in the [[Sistine Chapel]] during the balloting. Each throne had a [[canopy]] over it. After a successful election, once the new pope accepted election and decided by what name he would be known, the cardinals would all lower their canopies, leaving only the canopy over the newly-elected pope. This was the new pope's first throne. This tradition was dramatically portrayed in the 1963 film, ''[[The Shoes of the Fisherman]]''. ==Thrones in feudal times== [[Image:Königsthron Aachener Dom.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Throne of [[Charlemagne]] at [[Aachen Cathedral]]]] In European feudal countries, monarchs often were seated on thrones, based in all likelihood on the Roman magisterial chair. These thrones were originally quite simple, especially when compared to their Asian counterparts. One of the grandest and most important was the Throne of Charlemagne in the "Imperial Cathedral" ([[German language|German]]: ''Kaiserdom'') at [[Aachen]], the site of the coronation of 30 German kings and emperors of the [[Holy Roman Empire]]. The [[Byzantine emperor]]s made use of much more elaborate thrones, often guarded by stone lions. The emperor was initially seen behind a series of silken screens, which would be pulled aside if the foreign visitor was sufficiently important. As the throne was approached mechanical lion would roar and organs would play. On reaching the foot of the throne, the suppicant was forced to prostrate and touch his head to the ground, and the throne would rise into the air, so that when the visitor raised his head from the ground he would be astounded.<ref>{{cite web | title =Byzantium | publisher =Cunnan | url =http://cunnan.sca.org.au/wiki/Byzantine | accessdate =2007-07-12}}</ref> The medieval [[Tsar of Russia|Russian Tsars]] also employed Byzantine ceremonial with regard to throne-room [[etiquette]]. The most famous throne of [[Muscovy]] was the Ivory Throne of [[Ivan IV]] "the Terrible". Dating from the mid-XVIth century, it is shaped as a high-backed chair with arm rests, and adorned with ivory and walrus bone plaques intricately carved with mythological, heraldic and life scenes. The plaques carved with scenes from the biblical account of [[King David]]’s life are of particular relevance, as David was seen as the ideal for Christian monarchs.<ref>{{cite web | title =Throne of Ivan IV the Terrible | work =Regalia of Russian Tsars | publisher=The Moscow Kremlin | url =http://www.kreml.ru/en/main/virtual/exposition/regalia/IvanIV/throne/ | doi = | accessdate =2007-07-12}}</ref> In the Indian subcontinent, the term '''gaddi''' (pronounced {{IPA|/gəd̪d̪iː/}}, also called ''rājgaddī'') was reserved for the throne of a Hindu [[princely state]]'s ruler, while their Muslim colleagues throned on a '''musnad''' (pronounced {{IPA|/məsnəd̪/}}), even though both were in the shape of a [[divan]]. In the [[Mughal]] times the throne was called ''Shāhī takht'' (pronounced {{IPA|/ʃaːhiː t̪əxt̪/}}), while traditional [[Sanskrit]] name for the throne was ''singhāsana'' (lit., seat of a lion). In the '[[regency]]' (nominally an Ottoman province, de facto an independent realm) of the [[Bey]] of [[Tunis]], the throne was called '''kursi'''. During the [[Russian Empire]], the throne in [[St. George's Hall]] (the "Greater Throne Room") in the [[Winter Palace]] was regarded as ''the'' throne of Russia. It sits atop a seven-stepped [[dais]] with a [[proscenium arch]] above and the symbol of the Imperial Family behind (the [[two-headed eagle]]). [[Peter I of Russia|Peter I's]] Room (the "Smaller Throne Room") is modest in comparison to the former. The throne was made for [[Empress]] [[Anna Ivanovna]] in London. There is also a throne in the Grand Throne Room of the [[Peterhof]]. ==Thrones in modern times== <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Mary_robinson.jpg|thumb||200px|The President of Ireland on the [[Viceregal throne (Ireland)|Irish Viceregal throne]]<br><small>President [[Mary Robinson|Robinson]] at her [[inauguration]] in 1990.</small> {{deletable image-caption}}]] --> In some countries today which retain a monarchy, thrones are still used and have important symbolic and ceremonial meaning. However many modern day monarchies have dispensed with the usage of such symbolism as [[crown (headgear)|crown]]s, thrones and [[coronation]]s. Among the most famous thrones still in usage are [[St Edward's Chair]], on which the [[British monarch]] is crowned, and the thrones used by monarchs during the state opening of parliaments in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Denmark]], [[The Netherlands]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and [[Japan]] (see above) among others. Some republics use distinctive throne-like chairs in some state ceremonial. The [[President of the United States]] sits on a distinctive high-backed white-clothed chair in the [[Oval Office]] in the [[White House]] when meeting distinguished visitors in front of the media.(The visitor sits in a matching chair.) The [[President of Ireland]] sits on a former [[Lord Lieutenant of Ireland|viceregal]] throne during his or her [[inauguration]] ceremony while [[Lord Mayor|Lords Mayor]] of many [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Ireland|Irish]] cities often preside over local councils from throne-like chairs. ==List of named thrones== [[Image:Ivans ivory throne.jpg|thumb|250px|The Ivory Throne of [[Tsar]] [[Ivan IV]] of [[Russia]].]] [[Image:Peacock_Throne.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Peacock Throne]] in [[Golestan Palace]], [[Iran]]]] * The [[Throne of Solomon]] ===Europe=== * [[The Throne of Apollo]] in [[Amyclae]] * [[St. Edward's Chair]] in [[Westminster Abbey]], [[London]], where [[British monarchs]] are crowned. It at one time contained the [[Stone of Scone]] (also called the [[Stone of Destiny]]) upon which the Kings of [[Scotland]] were crowned * The Throne of [[Charlemagne]] in the [[Aachen Cathedral|cathedral]] at [[Aachen]], [[Germany]] *The Ivory Throne of [[Ivan the Terrible]] * The papal ''[[sedia gestatoria]]'' ===Africa=== * the [[Asante royal thrones|Golden Stool]] of the [[Ashanti]] * the [[Throne of David]] of the [[Emperor]]s of [[Ethiopia]] ===Asia=== * the [[Dragon Throne]] of the [[Emperor]]s of [[China]] * the [[Chrysanthemum Throne]] of the [[Emperor]]s of [[Japan]] * the [[Phoenix Throne]] of the [[Monarch|King]]s of [[Korea]] * the [[Lion Throne]] of the [[Dalai Lama]] of [[Tibet]] * the Lion Throne of [[Sikkim]] * the stone throne of King Kasyapa from [[SriLanka]] [http://www.andrews.edu/~vyhmeisr/pictures/Sri%20Lanka/pages/P1010123.html] from the 5th century citadel of [[Sigiri]] * the stone throne of King [[Nissankamalla]] from [[Sri Lanka]] [http://lakdiva.org/codrington/chap04.html#nissanka] from the 12th century [[Polonnaruwa]] kingdom * the [[Peacock Throne]] of the [[Mughal]] [[Emperor]]s, later became: * the [[Peacock Throne]] of the [[Persian Empire|Persian]] [[Shah]]s * the [[Takht-e Marmar]] of the [[Persian Empire|Persian]] [[Shah]]s * the Peacock Throne of [[Korea]] * the Peacock throne at [[Montchobo]], then at [[Ava]], ancient capitals of [[Burma]] * the '''Saridhaleys''' 'ivory throne' and the '''sighsana''' 'lion throne' of the [[Maldives]] sultanate * the sandalwood throne, at [[Bikaner]] Fort ==Gallery== ===Thrones of kings and emperors=== <gallery> Image:SanktEdvardsstol westminster.jpg|<small> [[King Edward's Chair]], [[Westminster Abbey]], [[England]] Image:Thronsaal, Residenz München.jpg| <small> Throne of the [[Bavaria]]n King, [[Munich]] Image:Ingres, Napoleon on his Imperial throne.jpg|<small> Imperial throne of [[Napoleon]] Image:Debret31.jpg|<small> Throne of the [[Empire of Brazil|Emperor of Brazil]], [[Pedro I]]. Image:Palacio-real-de-madrid-sala-de-tronos.jpg|<small> Thrones of the king and queen of Spain, Madrid Image:Salon trono.jpg|<small> Thrones, [[Buckingham Palace]], [[London]] Image:Throne of the netherlands.jpg| <small> Throne of the monarch of [[The Netherlands]] in the [[Ridderzaal]] </gallery> ===Thrones of the popes=== <gallery> Image:SanGiovanniChiostro2.JPG|<small> Throne of the pope, [[Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano]], Rome Image:Roma-san giovanni03.jpg|<small> Throne of the pope, [[Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano]], Rome Image:Honorius3.JPG|<small> Throne of [[Pope Honorius III]]. Image:Pintoricchio 015.jpg| <small> Throne of [[Pope Pius II]]. (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) </gallery> ==Other uses== *In [[slang]], a common sit-down [[toilet]] is also called a throne. *In religion, a niche in an [[altar]] piece for displaying the [[Holy Sacrament]] is called a throne. *In [[music]], the stool used to sit behind a [[drum kit]] is often called a throne. *One of the Angel choirs is an order called [[Ophanim]] or 'Thrones', said to carry God's heavenly throne - other choir names expressing power in secular terms include Powers, Principalities, Dominions ==Sources and references== {{Reflist}} {{commons2|Thrones}} ==See also== * [[Enthronement]] ==External links== * [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/glossary.htm RoyalArk- here India] [[Category:Monarchy]] [[Category:Regalia]] [[Category:Thrones| ]] [[br:Tron]] [[bg:Трон]] [[ca:Tron]] [[cs:Trůn]] [[da:Trone]] [[de:Thron]] [[es:Trono]] [[eo:Trono]] [[fr:Trône]] [[id:Tahta]] [[it:Trono]] [[nl:Troon]] [[new:गडी]] [[no:Tronstol]] [[pl:Tron]] [[pt:Trono]] [[ru:Трон]] [[simple:Throne]] [[fi:Valtaistuin]] [[uk:Престол]] [[zh:御座]]