Changes

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 heavenly 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. 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>

However, by the later Medieval era, some European states began to not only become more wealth wealthy but the simple thrones and regalia were updated to reflect growing power. One of the more elaborately decorated thrones was that of Ivan the Terrible, who ruled in the 16th century. Ivan was known as a megalomaniac king and lavished his own power greatly. In effect, his throne continued the millennia long tradition of thrones reflecting the type of power royal authorities wanted to display, even when that display shifted from more humble depictions to one of showing more grandeur.<ref>For more on Ivan the Terrible and his throne, see: Payne, P.S.R. & Romanoff, N. (2002) <i>Ivan the Terrible.</i> 1. Cooper Square Press ed. New York, NY, Cooper Square Press.</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 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>