Evolution Through the Ages
Throughout history, the throne chair has been a status of regality and prestige. It has been used by pharaohs, emperors, and religious leaders, and it still has its place at the head of the table in modern-day society.
Join us as we explore the history of throne chairs and consider the way that their design and use cases have evolved over time into the statement-making furniture they’re known as today.
The oldest surviving throne: The Palace of Knossos
One of the world’s oldest surviving thrones can be found in the Throne Room at the Palace of Knossos. This Bronze Age palace (built in the 15th century BC) is in Crete, modern-day Greece, and is thought to be the oldest throne in existence today.
During its heyday, the Palace of Knossos was at the center of the Minoan Civilization, and the stone throne within the room was thought to belong to Minos, a mythical king of Crete.
Made of alabaster and surrounded by a room with mythical graffiti, the throne was discovered in 1900 by a British archeologist named Arthur Evans, and is heralded today as one of the most significant discoveries from the Bronze Age in the Agean region.
Throne chairs as symbols of power in the ancient world
The discovery of a throne room at Knossos signifies that they were used in some capacity in the Bronze Age. Thrones were also used as status symbols for the gods and rulers of the developing ancient world.
For instance, we know that queens and pharaohs of ancient Egypt sat atop thrones, as evidenced by tomb discoveries.
Tutankhamun, for example, sat atop a golden throne, while Queen Hetepheres throne (2,550 BC) featured cedar, bright blue faience tiles, gold foil, copper, gesso, and cordage seating.
The ancient Egyptians actually had two types of thrones, one for the rulers and one for the gods. Interestingly, the Egyptians typically stood the ruler’s throne on top of a dais within a kiosk, ensuring that the ruler would always be elevated above his or her subjects.
In ancient Greece, thrones were used for similar reasons, though among the Greeks, thrones weren’t just reserved for rulers. They were the seat of a potentate, dignitary, or viceroy at all major state occasions.
They weren’t as lavish as the thrones of the ancient Egyptians, but they were still used to affirm status. Greek rulers sat atop thrones as they felt they were connected to the Greek gods, helping to elevate the rulers’ position over their subjects.
The spreading of Christianity: European thrones
The emergence of Christianity in Europe led to thrones being created throughout the continent for religious purposes. It’s here that they transcended from the anointment of kings to the celebration of ecclesiastical dignitaries. Throughout Europe, it was common to see cardinals, bishops, and abbots sitting on thrones during meetings and functions.
It was common at this time for masons to build thrones into the stonework of churches, as was the case at Torcello, near Venice.
Examples of stunning craftsmanship and elaborate designs flourished in Italy during the Middle Ages. For instance, the ivory throne of Archbishop Maximian is one of the most magnificent edifices known to man, reflective of grandiose furniture from the end of Roman rule.
Thrones fit for royalty: The symbolism of the throne today
The most famous example of a throne today is that on which the British King sits. In fact, “The Throne of England” is known more as a concept and role rather than an actual chair, and it is used rhetorically all over the world.
When people refer to the King of England’s throne, they’re usually talking of the Coronation Chair, also known as St Edward’s Chair. It is an ancient wooden chair that has been used by British monarchs for generations and was commissioned in 1296.
It currently sits in St George’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London, and was recently used during the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. It’s undoubtedly the most famous throne chair in the world today.
That said, King Charles isn’t the only monarch who sits on a regal throne.
The Dutch throne is even more glamorous than the ancient wooden throne of the British monarchy. Usually kept at the Ridderzaal in The Hague, the 13th-century velvet throne is now on display in a museum in Amsterdam. King Willem-Alexander uses the throne for his annual speech at the state opening of parliament, and it’s a culturally significant item of the Dutch royal family.
Interestingly, Spain’s royal rulers don’t have specific thrones, as in Great Britain and the Netherlands. Also, Spain’s rulers don’t actually sit on their thrones during public appearances, primarily due to the protocol and national belief that sitting on a throne should be reserved only for very specific purposes.
Discover throne chairs fit for kings & queens
So, the earliest throne was used for regal purposes sometime during the Bronze Age, probably during the 15th century BC. Also, ancient Egyptians and Greeks used thrones to put their royal leaders on a pedestal, while the spread of religion through Europe saw Christian dignitaries sit on thrones to signify their close relationship with God above their people.
Today, thrones are used by royal families in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, two of the biggest monarchies remaining in the world today.
While you might not be in line for a royal throne, you can certainly invest in a throne to add a splash of regality to your interior design this year.
Thrones have many uses in the home setting and are ideal for elevating the top of the table. They can also be used to create a comfy reading nook or as a statement piece in the living room or any bedroom.
Browse our selection of stunning thrones today for chairs fit for royalty. If a throne was good enough for King Tut, it’s good enough for you!