Editing Throne

{{Short description|Seat of state of a potentate or dignitary}}
{{About|royal and ecclesiastical thrones||Throne (disambiguation)}}
[[File:Dais 2 (PSF).png|thumb|A drawing of a throne, on a [[dais]] under a [[baldachin]]]]
A '''throne''' is the seat of state of a potentate or [[dignitary]], especially the seat occupied by a [[sovereign]] (or [[viceroy]]) on state occasions; or the seat occupied by a [[pope]] or [[bishop]] on ceremonial occasions.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary, {{ISBN|0-19-861186-2}}</ref> "Throne" in an abstract sense can also refer to the [[monarchy]] itself, an instance of [[metonymy]], and is also used in many expressions such as "[[power behind the throne|the power behind the throne]]".<ref>[[Encyclopædia Britannica#1901–1973|Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th edition, 1910–1911]] vol. 26, p. 891-2.</ref> 

A throne is a symbol of divine and secular rule and the establishment of a throne as a defining sign of the claim to power and authority. It can be with a high backrest and feature heraldic animals or other decorations as adornment and as a sign of power and strength. A throne can be placed underneath a canopy or [[baldachin]]. The throne can stand on steps or a [[dais]] and is thus always elevated. The expression "ascend (mount) the throne" takes its meaning from the steps leading up to the dais or platform, on which the throne is placed, being formerly comprised in the word's significance.<ref>[[Encyclopædia Britannica#1901–1973|Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th edition, 1910–1911]] vol. 26, p. 891-2.</ref> [[Coat of arms|Coats of arms]] or insignia can feature on throne or canopy and represent the [[dynasty]]. Even in the physical absence of the ruler an empty throne can symbolise the everlasting presence of the monarchical authority.

When used in a political or governmental sense, a throne typically exists in a civilization, nation, tribe, or other politically designated group that is organized or governed under a [[monarchy|monarchical]] system. Throughout much of human history societies have been governed under monarchical systems, in the beginning as [[Autocracy|autocratic]] systems and later evolved in most cases as [[constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarchies]] within liberal democratic systems, resulting in a wide variety of thrones that have been used by given heads of state. These have ranged from [[Stool (seat)|stool]]s in places such as in Africa to ornate chairs and bench-like designs in Europe and Asia, respectively. Often, but not always, a throne is tied to a philosophical or religious [[ideology]] held by the nation or people in question, which serves a dual role in unifying the people under the reigning monarch and connecting the monarch upon the throne to his or her predecessors, who sat upon the throne previously. Accordingly, many thrones are typically held to have been constructed or fabricated out of rare or hard to find materials that may be valuable or important to the land in question. Depending on the size of the throne in question it may be large and ornately designed as an emplaced instrument of a nation's power, or it may be a symbolic chair with little or no precious materials incorporated into the design.

When used in a religious sense, throne can refer to one of two distinct uses. The first use derives from the practice in churches of having a [[bishop]] or higher-ranking religious official ([[archbishop]], [[pope]], etc.) sit on a special chair which in church referred to by written sources as a "throne", or "cathedra" (Latin for 'chair') and is intended to allow such high-ranking religious officials a place to sit in their place of worship. The other use for throne refers to a belief among many of the world's [[Monotheism|monotheistic]] and [[Polytheism|polytheistic]] religions that the deity or deities that they worship are seated on a throne. Such beliefs go back to ancient times, and can be seen in surviving artwork and texts which discuss the idea of ancient gods (such as the [[Twelve Olympians]]) seated on thrones. In the major [[Abrahamic religions]] of [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]], the [[Throne of God|Throne of Yahweh]] is attested to in religious scriptures and teachings, although the origin, nature, and idea of the Throne of Yahweh in these religions differs according to the given religious ideology practiced.

In the west, a throne is most identified as the seat upon which a person holding the title ''[[King]]'', ''[[Queen regnant|Queen]]'', ''[[King|Emperor]]'', or ''[[Queen regnant|Empress]]'' sits in a nation using a [[monarchy]] political system, although there are a few exceptions, notably with regards to religious officials such as the pope and bishops of various sects of the Christian faith. Changing geo-political tides have resulted in the collapse of several dictatorial and autocratic governments, which in turn have left a number of throne chairs empty. Many of these thrones—such as China's [[Dragon Throne]]—survive today as historic examples of nation's previous government.

==Antiquity==
[[Image:King Solomon on throne.jpg|thumb|Fanciful depiction of [[Solomon]] on his throne]]
Thrones were found throughout the canon of [[ancient furniture]]. The depiction of [[monarch]]s and deities as seated on chairs is a common topos in the iconography of the [[Ancient Near East]].

The word ''[[:wikt:throne|throne]]'' itself is from [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] [[:wikt:θρόνος|θρόνος]] (''thronos''), "seat, chair",<ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dqro%2Fnos θρόνος] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001235158/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dqro%2Fnos |date=2020-10-01 }}, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, ''A Greek-English Lexicon'', on Perseus</ref> in origin a derivation from the [[Proto-Indo-European language|Proto-Indo-European]] root {{lang|ine-x-proto|dʰer-}} "to support" (also in ''[[dharma]]'' "post, sacrificial pole"). Early Greek {{lang|grc|Διὸς θρόνους}} (''Dios thronous'')<ref>[[Sophocles]], ''Antigone'', [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Soph.+Ant.+1041&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0185 1041] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413024235/http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Soph.+Ant.+1041&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0185 |date=2021-04-13 }}, on Perseus</ref> was a term for the "support of the heavens", i.e. the [[axis mundi]], which term when [[Zeus]] became an anthropomorphic god was imagined as the "seat of Zeus".<ref>Janda, Michael, ''Die Musik nach dem Chaos'', Innsbruck 2010.</ref> In Ancient Greek, a "thronos" was a specific but ordinary type of chair with a [[footstool]], a high status object but not necessarily with any connotations of power. The [[Achaeans (Homer)|Achaeans]] (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.

===Persia===
[[File:National Museum of Iran Darafsh (785).JPG|thumb|left|upright|Stone relief depicting [[Xerxes the Great]] seated on a throne]]
In [[Persia]], the traditional name of the throne is the ''Takht-e [[Padishah|Padeshah]]''. From the [[Achaemenid]] era to the last Iranian dynasty [[Pahlavi dynasty|Pahlavi]], the throne was used for sitting [[shah]]s.

===Hebrew Bible===
The word "throne" in [[English translations of the Bible]] renders [[Biblical Hebrew|Hebrew]] {{lang|he|כסא}} ''{{lang|he-Latn|kissē'}}''. The [[pharaoh of the Exodus]] is described as sitting on a throne (Exodus 11:5, 12:29), but mostly the term refers to the throne of the [[Kingdom of Israel (united monarchy)|kingdom of Israel]], often called the "throne of [[David]]" or "throne of [[Solomon]]". The literal throne of Solomon is described in {{bibleverse|1|Kings|10:18-20|HE}}: "Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold.. The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom." In the [[Book of Esther]] (5:3), the same word refers to the throne of the king of Persia.

The [[Yahweh|God of Israel]] himself is frequently described as sitting on a throne, referred to outside of the Bible as the [[Throne of God]], in the [[Psalms]], and in a vision [[Isaiah]] (6:1), and notably in Isaiah 66:1, [[YHWH]] says of himself "The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool" (this verse is alluded to by [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 5:34-35).

==Christian==
{{main|Cathedra}}

===Biblical===
[[Image:Saint John on Patmos.jpg|thumb|upright|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 ({{lang|fr|[[Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry]]}})]]
In the [[Old Testament]], [[Books of Kings|Book of Kings I]] explicits the throne of Solomon: "Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with fine gold. The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step" in Chapter 10 18-20.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bible Gateway passage: 1 Kings 10 - New International Version |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2010&version=NIV |access-date=2023-05-01 |website=Bible Gateway |language=en |archive-date=2023-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501100405/https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2010&version=NIV |url-status=live }}</ref>

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 Revelation|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 "[[Throne (angel)|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 [[Session of Christ|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]]. [[Psalm 45:9]] was also interpreted as referring to the Virgin Mary, with the entire Psalm describing a royal throne room.

===Ecclesiastical===
[[Image:Patriarch of Constantinople throne.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Throne of the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople in the [[Phanar]], Istanbul. On the dais the [[Gospel Book|Gospel]] is [[Hetoimasia|enthroned]] on a [[curule chair]], 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]]'' ({{langx|el|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 [[baldachin|canopy]] (''[[ombrellino]]''), part of his [[Papal regalia and insignia|regalia]], and applies mainly to many cathedrals and Catholic churches of similar importance 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, such as [[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 (canon law)|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|liturgical color]] 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 | publisher =New York: Robert Appleton Company | year =1908 | url =http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03297c.htm | access-date =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===
[[File:Cathedra Petri - carolingian throne.jpg|thumb|upright|Drawing of the ''[[Chair of Saint Peter|Cathedra Sancti Petri]]'', in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome]]
In the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[pope]] is an [[Elective 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 within the city of Rome established by the 1929 [[Lateran Treaty]]). 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 recognised diplomatic status, and papal [[nuncio]]s and [[papal legate|legates]] are deputed on [[diplomatic mission]]s throughout the world.

The pope's throne (''Cathedra Romana'') is located in the [[apse]] of the [[Archbasilica of St. John Lateran]], his [[cathedral]] as [[Bishop of Rome]].

In the [[apse]] of [[Saint Peter's Basilica]], above the "Altar of the Chair" lies the [[Chair of Saint Peter|''Cathedra Petri'']], a throne believed to have been used by St Peter himself and other earlier popes; this [[relic]] is enclosed in a gilt bronze casting and forms part of a huge monument designed by [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini]].

Unlike at his cathedral (Archbasilica of St. John Lateran), there is no permanent ''[[cathedra]]'' for the pope in St Peter's Basilica, so a removable throne is placed in the basilica for the pope's use whenever he presides over a liturgical ceremony. Prior to the liturgical reforms that occurred in the wake of the [[Second Vatican Council]], a huge removable canopied throne was placed above an equally removable dais in the choir side of the "Altar of the Confession" (the [[high altar]] above the tomb of St Peter and beneath the monumental bronze [[St. Peter's baldachin|baldachin]]); this throne stood between the apse and the Altar of the Confession.

This practice has fallen out of use with the 1960s and 1970s reform of Papal liturgy and, whenever the pope celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, a simpler portable throne is now placed on platform in front of the Altar of the Confession. Whenever Pope [[Benedict XVI]] celebrated the [[Liturgy of the Hours]] at St Peter's, a more elaborate removable throne was placed on a dais to the side of the Altar of the Chair. When the pope celebrates Mass on the basilica steps facing [[St. Peter's Square]], portable thrones are also used.

<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[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 procession surrounding papal ceremonies that was believed to be the most direct heir of [[pharaoh|pharaonic]] splendor, 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. 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 [[baldachin|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 1968 film ''[[The Shoes of the Fisherman (movie)|The Shoes of the Fisherman]]''.

==Medieval and early modern periods==
[[File:Aachener Dom BW 2016-07-09 13-53-18.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Throne of Charlemagne]] at [[Aachen Cathedral]] (790s)]]

In European feudal countries, monarchs often were seated on thrones, based in all likelihood on the [[Curule seat |Roman magisterial chair]]. These thrones were originally quite simple, especially when compared to their Asian counterparts.{{cn |date= November 2024}} In practice, any chair the monarch occupied in a formal setting served as a "throne", though there were often special chairs used only for this purpose, kept in places the monarch often went to. Thrones began to be made in pairs, for the king and queen, which remained common in later periods. Sometimes they are identical, or the queen's throne may be slightly less grand.{{cn |date= November 2024}}

The 10th-century throne of the [[Byzantine Empire| Byzantine emperor]], placed in a dedicated throne hall, the [[Magnaura]], included elaborate [[automaton]]s of singing birds and moving animals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last= Brett |first= Gerard |title= The Automata in the Byzantine "Throne of Solomon" |date= July 1954 |journal= Speculum |volume= 29 |issue=3 |pages= 477–487 |doi= 10.2307/2846790 |issn= 0038-7134 |jstor= 2846790 |s2cid= 163031682 }}</ref>

The 10th-century throne of [[Ivan the Terrible|Ivan "the Terrible"]] (r. 1533-1584), dating from the mid-16th century, it is a product of [[West European]] [[Renaissance]]. 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. Some carvings, depicting 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 name= Kreml>{{cite web |title= Ivan IV the Terrible: Throne |website= Regalia of Russian Tsars |publisher= The Moscow Kremlin |url=https://www.kreml.ru/en-Us/exhibitions/virtual-exhibitions.regalii-russkikh-tsarey/ivan-iv-groznyy/# |access-date= 8 November 2024}}</ref>

Although medieval examples tended to be retained in the [[early modern period]], having acquired the aura of tradition, when new thrones were made they either continued medieval styles or were just very grand and elaborate versions of contemporary chairs or armchairs.{{cn |date= November 2024}}

==South Asia==
[[File:Sixteen views of monuments in Delhi Peacock Throne Red Fort Delhi 1850.png|thumb|upright|left|Painting of the (later) [[Peacock Throne]] in the ''[[Diwan-i-Khas (Red Fort)|Diwan-i-Khas]]'' of the Red Fort, around 1850]]
In the [[Indian subcontinent]], the traditional [[Sanskrit]] name for the throne was ''siṃhāsana'' (lit., seat of a lion). In the [[Mughal era|Mughal]] times the throne was called ''Shāhī takht'' ({{IPA|[ˈʃaːhiː ˈtəxt]}}). The term ''gadi''<ref>''Ruling Princes and Chiefs of India'' {{ISBN|9789693516852}} throughout 408 p</ref> or ''gaddi'' ({{IPA|hns|ˈɡəd̪ːi}}, also called ''rājgaddī'') referred to a seat with a cushion used as a throne by Indian princes.<ref>Mark Brentnall, ed. ''The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh'' pg. 301</ref> That term was usually used for the throne of a Hindu [[princely state]]'s ruler, while among Muslim princes or Nawabs, save exceptions such as the [[Travancore State]] royal family,<ref>Velu Pillai. ''Travancore State Manual'' (1940)</ref> the term ''musnad'' ({{IPA|[ˈməsnəd]}}), also spelt as ''musnud'', was more common, even though both seats were similar.

The [[Throne of Jahangir]] was built by Mughal emperor [[Jahangir]] in 1602 and is located at the ''[[Diwan-i-Khas (Red Fort)|Diwan-i-Khas]]'' (hall of private audience) at the [[Agra Fort]].

The [[Peacock Throne]] was the seat of the [[Mughal emperors]] of India. It was commissioned in the early 17th century by Emperor [[Shah Jahan]] and was located in the [[Red Fort]] of Delhi. The original throne was subsequently captured and taken as a war trophy in 1739 by the Persian king [[Nadir Shah]] and has been lost ever since. A replacement throne based on the original was commissioned afterwards and existed until the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]].

[[Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne]] was made by the goldsmith Hafez Muhammad Multani about 1820 to 1830. Made of wood and resin core, covered with sheets of repoussé, chased and engraved gold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/the-court-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh/|title=The Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh|website=Vam.ac.uk|date=13 January 2011|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=25 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525012047/http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/the-court-of-maharaja-ranjit-singh/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Golden Throne or [[Chinnada Simhasana]] or [[Ratna Simahasana]] in [[Kannada]] is the royal seat of the rulers of the [[Kingdom of Mysore]]. The Golden Throne is kept at Mysore Palace.

== Southeast Asia ==
[[File:Saya Chone's "Royal Audience".png|upright|thumb|Painting of the Burmese royal throne in the shape of a ''palin'']]
{{See also|Palin (throne)}}
In Burma, the traditional name for a throne is ''[[Palin (throne)|palin]],'' from the [[Pali]] term ''pallaṅka'', which means "couch" or "sofa." The Burmese ''palin'' in pre-colonial times was used to seat the sovereign and his main consort, and is today used to seat religious leaders such as [[sayadaw]]s, and images of the Buddha. Royal thrones are called ''yazapalin'' (ရာဇပလ္လင်), while thrones seating images or statues of the Buddha are called ''gaw pallin'' (ဂေါ့ပလ္လင်) or ''samakhan'' (စမ္မခဏ်), from the Pali term ''sammakhaṇḍa''.

== East Asia ==
[[File:Imperial throne.jpg|thumb|upright|The ''Takamikura'' throne kept in the Kyoto Imperial Palace is used for accession ceremonies. The metonym "[[Chrysanthemum Throne]]" is also used.]]
The [[Dragon Throne]] is the term used to identify the throne of the [[emperor of China]]. As the [[Chinese dragon|dragon]] was the emblem of divine imperial power, the throne of the emperor, who was considered a living [[god]], was known as the Dragon Throne.<ref>Arnold, Julean Herbert. (1920). [https://books.google.com/books?id=y0waAAAAYAAJ&dq=drangon+throne+and+china&pg=PA446 ''Commercial Handbook of China,'' p. 446.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407014759/https://books.google.com/books?id=y0waAAAAYAAJ&dq=drangon+throne+and+china&pg=PA446 |date=2023-04-07 }}</ref> The term can refer to very specific seating, as in the special seating in various structures in the [[Forbidden City]] of [[Beijing]] or in the palaces of the [[Old Summer Palace]]. In an abstract sense, the "Dragon Throne" also refers [[rhetorically]] to the [[head of state]] and to the [[monarchy]] itself.<ref>Williams, David. (1858). [https://books.google.com/books?id=BmMFAAAAQAAJ&dq=throne+of+england&pg=PA153 ''The preceptor's assistant, or, Miscellaneous questions in general history, literature, and science,'' p. 153.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405233615/https://books.google.com/books?id=BmMFAAAAQAAJ&dq=throne+of+england&pg=PA153 |date=2023-04-05 }} Books.google.com</ref> The [[Daoguang Emperor]] is said to have referred to his throne as "the divine [[wikt:utensil|utensil]]."

The [[Imperial Throne of Vietnam|throne]] of the [[List of monarchs of Vietnam|emperors]] of [[Vietnam]] are often referred to as ''ngai vàng'' ("golden throne") or ''ngôi báu'' (大寳/寶座) literally "great precious" (seat/position). The throne is always adorned with the pattern and motif of the [[Vietnamese dragon]], which is the exclusive and privileged symbol of the Vietnamese emperors. The last existing imperial throne in Vietnam is the throne of the [[Nguyễn dynasty|Nguyễn emperors]] placed in the Hall of Supreme Harmony at the [[Imperial City of Huế]]. It is designated as a [[National Treasure (Vietnam)|national treasure of Vietnam]].<ref>{{Citation |author=Prime Minister of Vietnam |date=23 December 2015 |title=Quyết định số 2382/QĐ-TTg của Thủ tướng Chính phủ: Về việc công nhận bảo vật quốc gia |trans-title=Decision No. 2382/QD-TTg on recognition of national treasures |publisher=Viet Nam Government Portal |url=http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page/portal/chinhphu/hethongvanban?class_id=2&_page=1&mode=detail&document_id=182770 |language=vi |accessdate=2 March 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424173348/http://www.chinhphu.vn/portal/page/portal/chinhphu/hethongvanban?class_id=2&_page=1&mode=detail&document_id=182770 |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[Vietnamese folk religion]], the gods, deities and ancestral spirits are believed to seat figuratively on thrones at places of worship. Therefore, on Vietnamese altars, there are various types of liturgical "throne" often decorated with red paint and golden gilding.<ref>{{Citation |author=Hue-Tam Ho Tai |date=2021 |title=Religion in Vietnam: A World of Gods and Spirits |publisher=Asia Society |url=https://asiasociety.org/education/religion-vietnam |accessdate=2 March 2021 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225050539/https://asiasociety.org/education/religion-vietnam |url-status=live }}</ref> 

The [[Phoenix Throne]] (御座/어좌 ''eojwa'') is the term used to identify the throne of the [[king of Korea]]. In an abstract sense, the Phoenix Throne also refers [[rhetorically]] to the [[head of state]] of the [[Joseon dynasty]] (1392–1897) and the [[Empire of Korea]] (1897–1910). The throne is located at [[Gyeongbok Palace]] in Seoul.

The {{nihongo|[[Chrysanthemum Throne]]|皇位|kōi|lit. "Imperial position/rank"}} is the term used to identify the throne of the [[emperor of Japan]]. The term also can refer to very specific seating, such as the ''takamikura'' (高御座) throne in the Shishin-den at [[Kyoto Imperial Palace]]<!-- NengoCalc 昭和三年十一月十日 -->.<ref>[[Richard Ponsonby-Fane|Ponsonby-Fane, Richard]]. (1959). ''The Imperial House of Japan,'' p. 337.</ref>

The throne of the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]] is located in [[Shuri Castle]], Naha.

==Modern period==
[[File:Guildhall, London - Great Hall (5).jpg|thumb|left|Throne-like chair of the [[Lord Mayor of London]] in London's [[Guildhall, London|Guildhall]]]]
During the [[Russian Empire]], the throne in [[St George's Hall and Apollo Room of the Winter Palace|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 Palace]].

In some countries with a monarchy, thrones are still used and have important symbolic and ceremonial meaning. Among the most famous thrones still in usage are [[St Edward's Chair]], on which the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|British monarch]] is crowned, and the thrones used by monarchs during the state opening of parliaments in the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], and [[Japan]] (see above) among others.

Some republics use distinctive throne-like chairs in some state ceremonial. 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]] and [[Lord provost|lords provost]] of many [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[Ireland|Irish]] cities often preside over local councils from throne-like chairs.

Owing to its symbolic nature, a toilet is often jokingly referred to as "a throne" (namely, the "porcelain throne").

==List==
[[File:Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Stockholm, Sweden - panoramio (225).jpg|thumb|The [[Silver Throne]] of Sweden, inside Stockholm Palace]]
[[Image:Ivans ivory throne.jpg|thumb|The Ivory Throne of [[Tsar]] [[Ivan IV]] of [[Russia]].]]
[[Image:Inside the Forbidden City.jpg|thumb|The [[Dragon Throne]] of the [[emperor of China]] in the [[Forbidden City]] in [[Beijing]].]]

===Africa===
* Golden Throne of [[pharaoh]] [[Tutankhamun]]
* [[Golden Stool]] of the [[Ashanti Empire]]
* Throne of David of the [[Emperor]]s of [[Ethiopia]]
* [[Nigerian chieftaincy|Chieftaincy Stools]] of [[List of Nigerian traditional states|Nigeria]]

===Asia===
* [[Dragon Throne]] of the [[Table of Chinese monarchs|Emperors]] of [[China]]
* [[Imperial Throne of Vietnam|Golden Throne]] of the [[List of monarchs of Vietnam|Emperors]] of [[Vietnam]]
* [[Chrysanthemum Throne]] of the [[List of Emperors of Japan|Emperors]] of [[Japan]] ([[:ja:高御座]])
* [[Phoenix Throne]] of the [[List of monarchs of Korea|King]]s of [[Korea]]
* The [[Throne of Solomon]]
* [[Lion Throne]] of the [[Dalai Lama]] of [[Tibet]]
* Lion Throne of [[Sikkim]]
* [[The Lion Throne of Myanmar|Lion Throne]] of [[Konbaung]] of Burma, ([[Myanmar]])
* Lotus Throne of Konbaung of Burma
* Bumblebee Throne of Konbaung of Burma
* [[Hamsa (bird)|Hamsa]] Throne of Konbaung of Burma
* Deer Throne of Konbaung of Burma
* Elephant Throne of Konbaung of Burma
* Conch Throne of Konbaung of Burma
* Stone throne of King Kasyapa from [[Sri Lanka]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Lanka |url=https://www.andrews.edu/~vyhmeisr/pictures/Sri%20Lanka/pages/P1010123.html |access-date=2024-02-11 |website=www.andrews.edu}}</ref> from the 5th century citadel of [[Sigiri]]
* Stone throne of King [[Nissankamalla]] from [[Sri Lanka]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://lakdiva.org/codrington/chap04.html#nissanka | title=Chapter IV }}</ref> from the 12th century [[Polonnaruwa]] kingdom
* [[Kandian Throne]] of the [[Kingdom of Kandy]] and the [[Dominion of Ceylon]]
* [[Peacock Throne]] of the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] [[Emperor]]s of India 
* [[Sun Throne]] of Persia/Iran
* [[Marble Throne]] and [[Sun Throne]] of the [[Persian Empire|Persian]] [[Shah]]s
* Peacock Throne of [[Korea]]
* Peacock Throne at [[Montchobo]], then at [[Inwa|Ava]], ancient capitals of [[Burma]]
* Saridhaleys "ivory throne" and the Sighsana "lion throne" of the [[Maldives]] sultanate
* Sandalwood throne at [[Bikaner]] Fort
* [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne]]
* [[Shivaji's]] Golden Throne (Suvarna Sinhasan)
* Tupou Throne of the Kingdom of Tonga (Polynesian island country)
* [[Golden Throne (Mysore)|Golden Throne]] in [[Mysore]] [[India]]

===Europe===
* [[Throne of Apollo]] in [[Amyclae]]
* The [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|British monarch]] (and [[queen consort]] if applicable) is enthroned in a Throne Chair at their [[Coronation of the British monarch|coronation]]. (Note: [[St. Edward's Chair]] in [[Westminster Abbey]] is not generally considered to be a throne.)
* [[Chairing of the Bard]] in [[Wales]] is an ancient ceremonial procedure which dates back to at least 1176, in which the winning poet is chaired [[Prifardd|Y Prifardd]] (The Chief Bard) at the [[Eisteddfod|National Eisteddfod]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://museum.wales/articles/2010-07-25/A-nation-that-spotlights-poets/|title=A nation that spotlights poets}}</ref>
* [[Chair of St Augustine]] in [[Canterbury Cathedral]], where [[Archbishop of Canterbury|Archbishops of Canterbury]] are inaugurated
* [[Aachen Throne|Throne]] of [[Charlemagne]] in the [[Aachen Cathedral|cathedral]] at [[Aachen]], [[Germany]]
* [[Imperial Throne of Goslar|Imperial Throne]] of the medieval German kings and emperors in [[Goslar]], [[Germany]].
* Throne of the King of Aragon, Valencia, Majorca, Sardinia, Corsica and Sicilia and Count of Barcelona [[Martin of Aragon|Martin I the Elder]]
* [[Regalia of the Russian tsars#The Ivory Throne|Ivory Throne]] of [[Ivan the Terrible]]
* papal [[Chair of Saint Peter]] and ''[[sedia gestatoria]]''
* [[Throne Chair of Denmark]], made of [[narwhal]] tusks.<br />By [[Wilhelm Bendz]] (1830)
* [[Silver Throne]] in [[Stockholm Palace]], [[Sweden]], on which [[Swedish monarchs]] were crowned
* Queen Lovisa Ulrikas throne at [[Stockholm Palace]], Sweden

===North America===
[[File:Canadian-Senate-thrones.jpg|thumb|[[Thrones of Canada|The thrones]] for the [[Monarchy of Canada|Canadian monarch]] (back left) and his or her [[List of Canadian monarchs#Consort|royal consort]] (back right) in the [[Centre Block#Senate chamber|Senate of Canada]]; these may also be occupied by the sovereign's representative, the [[Governor General of Canada|governor general]], and his or her [[Viceregal consort of Canada|viceregal consort]] at the [[State Opening of Parliament]] (the [[Speaker of the Senate (Canada)|speaker]]'s chair is at centre)]]
* [[Thrones of Canada]] for the [[Monarchy of Canada|Canadian monarch]] and his or her [[List of Canadian monarchs#Consorts|royal consort]] or the [[Governor General of Canada|governor general]], representing the monarch, and his or her viceregal consort.

==Gallery==
=== Africa ===
<gallery>
File:Golden stool 31 January 1935.jpg|The Assante [[Golden Stool]] on its throne, the ''hwedom dwa'' (1935)
File:Musée national d'Ethiopie-Trône de Hailé Sélassié.jpg|Throne of emperor [[Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia]]
File:Throne Room - Bardo Palace - Tunis - Tunisia - 1899.jpg|Throne of the [[bey of Tunis]], [[Bardo Palace]]
</gallery>

=== Asia-Pacific ===
<gallery>
File:Gran Palacio, Bangkok, Tailandia, 2013-08-22, DD 57 (Cropped).jpg|Throne of Thailand in the [[Grand Palace]]
File:Royal Throne of Tonga, 1900.jpg|Throne of [[Tonga]]
File:Lion throne, Mandalay Palace.jpg|Lion throne, Mandalay Palace
File:Lily Throne, Mandalay Palace.jpg|Lily Throne, Mandalay Palace
File:Saya Chone's "Royal Audience".png|Painting of a royal audience in Burma
File:Singgasana Sultan dan Permaisuri Tidore.jpg|Lion Throne of the [[Sultan of Tidore]]
File:Forbiddencitythroneroom01.jpg|Throne of [[Ming dynasty|Ming]] and [[Qing dynasty|Qing]] emperors, [[Forbidden City]] of [[China]]
File:The Throne of Kandyan Kings.jpg|Throne of [[Kandyan]] [[Sinhalese people|Sinhalese]] Monarchs.
File:Chowmahalla Palace (22737529483).jpg|Throne of the [[Nizam]], [[Chowmahalla Palace]]
File:Naderi throne.jpg|[[Naderi Throne]] of [[Persia]], [[Iranian Crown Jewels|Crown Jewels Museum]], [[Tehran]]
File:1892 throne of Fath Ali Shah Teheran.png|[[Sun Throne]] of [[Persia]], [[Tehran]]
File:Ivane marmar (16).JPG|[[Marble Throne]] of [[Persia]], [[Golestan Palace]], [[Tehran]]
File:Imperial Throne of Shishinden in Kyoto Imperial Palace.jpg|Imperial throne used for the [[Enthronement of the Japanese Emperor]]
File:Seoul Gyeongbokgung Throne.jpg|The [[Phoenix Throne]] of the King of Joseon in [[Gyeongbokgung]], South Korea
File:Iolani Palace Throne Room (20029570929).jpg|Throne of Hawaii, [[Iolani Palace]]
</gallery>

=== Europe ===
<gallery>
File:Celebración de la Pascua Militar 2019 06.jpg|King [[Felipe VI]] giving a speech in front of the thrones of the king and queen of Spain, Madrid
File:Troonrede 2015 8.jpg|King [[Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands]] giving a [[speech from the throne]] in the [[Ridderzaal]]
File:Serment de Philippe de Belgique.jpg|King [[Philippe I of Belgium]] seated on the throne inside the [[Palace of the Nation]] during his swearing-in ceremony
File:Coronation Chair Denmark (King).jpg|The Danish throne made out of ivory narwhal tusks
File:San Marino tron kapitanow regentow.jpg|Throne of the [[Captains-Regent of San Marino]], inside the [[basilica di San Marino]]
File:Paris Musée Cluny Trône de Dagobert 135.jpg|French [[Throne of Dagobert]], dating to the 7th century 
File:SanktEdvardsstol westminster.jpg|[[King Edward's Chair]], [[Westminster Abbey]], [[England]]
File:Vojvodski stol.jpg|[[Duke's Chair]] of [[Carantania]]
File:Throne of Franz Joseph I of Austria 01.jpg|Throne of Emperor [[Franz Joseph I of Austria]]
File:Thronsaal, Residenz München.jpg|Throne of the [[Bavaria]]n King, [[Munich]]
File:Dublin Castle Throne Room 2018.jpg|Irish Viceregal Throne, [[Dublin Castle]]
File:Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, throne room-1.JPG|Thrones of Portugal, [[Ajuda Palace]]
File:Zamek Królewski w Warszawie - 05.jpg|Throne of King [[Stanisław August Poniatowski]], [[Royal Castle, Warsaw]]
File:Vilnius Valdovu rumai Innen Thron 1.jpg|Throne Room, [[Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania]]
File:Vladislav Saal - Thron.jpg|Throne of [[Bohemia]], [[Prague Castle]]
File:Kis Tronterem.jpg|Throne Room, [[Buda Castle]]
File:Gau Peter the Great (Small Throne) Room 1863.jpg|Imperial throne of [[Peter I The Great]]
File:SanGiovanniChiostro2.JPG|Throne of the pope, [[Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano]], Rome
File:Roma-san giovanni03.jpg|Throne of the pope, [[Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano]], Rome
File:Honorius3.JPG|Throne of [[Pope Honorius III]]
File:Pintoricchio 015.jpg|Throne of [[Pope Pius II]] (Enea Silvio Piccolomini)
File:Canterburycathedralthrone.jpg|The [[Chair of St Augustine]] in [[Canterbury Cathedral]], England
</gallery>

=== South America ===
<gallery>
File:D. Pedro II e o Trono do senado imperial (5317371367).jpg|Throne of the [[List of monarchs of Brazil|Emperor of Brazil]] inside the Senate
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Al-Baqara 255]] (Verse of the Throne)
* [[Enthronement]]
* [[Speech from the throne]]
* [[Throne room]]
* [[List of chairs]]

==Other uses==
* In [[music]], the stool used to sit behind a [[drum kit]] is often called a throne.
* In [[religion]], a niche in an [[altar]] piece for displaying the [[Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church|Holy Sacrament]] is called a throne.
* In [[slang]], a common sit-down [[toilet]] is also called a throne, or more formally the 'porcelain throne'.
* One of the Angel choirs is an order called [[Ophanim]] or 'Thrones', said to carry God's heavenly throne&nbsp;— other choir names expressing power in secular terms include Powers, Principalities, Dominions.


==Sources and references==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Metzger, Martin (1985). ''Königsthron und Gottesthron. Thronformen und Throndarstellungen in Ägypten und im Vorderen Orient im dritten und zweiten Jahrtausend vor Christus und deren Bedeutung für das Verständnis von Aussagen über den Thron im Alten Testament'' [Royal throne and divine throne. Forms of thrones and representations of thrones in Egypt and the Near East in the third and second millennium BC and their significance for the understanding of statements about the throne in the Old Testament]. Alter Orient und Altes Testament, vol. 15. Neukirchen-Vluyn: Neukirchener Verlag, {{ISBN|3-7887-0724-0}}.
* Vollmer, Cornelius (2014). ''[https://www.academia.edu/23269547/Im_Anfang_war_der_Thron_Studien_zum_leeren_Thron_in_der_griechischen_r%C3%B6mischen_und_fr%C3%BChchristlichen_Ikonographie_T%C3%BCbinger_Arch%C3%A4ologische_Forschungen_15_Rahden_Westf_2014_ Im Anfang war der Thron. Studien zum leeren Thron in der griechischen, römischen und frühchristlichen Ikonographie]'' [In the beginning was the throne. Studies on the empty throne in Greek, Roman and early Christian iconograph]. Tübinger Archäologische Forschungen, vol. 15. Rahden: Leidorf, {{ISBN|978-3-89646-995-3}}.

{{Commons category|Thrones}}

{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wiktionary|throne}}

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[[Category:Monarchy]]
[[Category:Regalia]]
[[Category:Thrones| ]]