| The thrones and seats comprising the simple furnishings of the Minoan house had both a useful and a symbolic function. Following the discovery of a Minoan throne at Katsambas in Heraklion, the form, position and use of all the thrones and seats found in the Minoan palace of Knossos and at Prinias are examined here. Models and depictions of thrones on figurines, sealstones, frescos and other archaeological finds of the Minoan, Mycenean, Cycladic and Trojan cycles are also studied, together with ideograms containing the sign of the throne, denoting royal attributes or ownership. Empty thrones are linked to the ritual worship of a deity in both Eastern circles and ancient tradition. |