The Throne of Charlemagne ( or ''Aachener Königsthron'', "Royal Throne of Aachen") is a

throne A throne is the seat of state of a potentate or dignitary, especially the seat occupied by a sovereign (or viceroy A viceroy () is an official who reigns over a polity in the name of and as the representative of the monarch of the territory ...

erected in the 790s by

Charlemagne Charlemagne ( ; 2 April 748 – 28 January 814) was List of Frankish kings, King of the Franks from 768, List of kings of the Lombards, King of the Lombards from 774, and Holy Roman Emperor, Emperor of what is now known as the Carolingian ...

, as one of the fittings of his palatine chapel in

Aachen Aachen is the List of cities in North Rhine-Westphalia by population, 13th-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the List of cities in Germany by population, 27th-largest city of Germany, with around 261,000 inhabitants. Aachen is locat ...

(today's

Aachen Cathedral Aachen Cathedral () is a Catholic Church, Catholic church in Aachen, Germany and the cathedral of the Diocese of Aachen. One of the oldest cathedral buildings in Europe, it was constructed as the royal chapel of the Palace of Aachen of Holy Rom ...

) and placed in the Octagon of the church. Until 1531, it served as the

coronation A coronation ceremony marks the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power using a crown. In addition to the crowning, this ceremony may include the presentation of other items of regalia, and other rituals such as the taking of special v ...

throne of the

King of the Romans King of the Romans (; ) was the title used by the king of East Francia following his election by the princes from the reign of Henry II (1002–1024) onward. The title originally referred to any German king between his election and coronatio ...

, being used at a total of thirty-one coronations. As a result, especially in the eleventh century, it was referred to as the ''totius regni archisolium'' ("Archstool of the Whole

Realm A realm is a community or territory over which a sovereign rules. The term is commonly used to describe a monarchical or dynastic state. A realm may also be a subdivision within an empire, if it has its own monarch, e.g. the German Empire. Etymo ...

"). Charlemagne himself was not crowned on this throne, but instead in the

Old St. Peter's Basilica Old St. Peter's Basilica was the church buildings that stood, from the 4th to 16th centuries, where St. Peter's Basilica stands today in Vatican City. Construction of the basilica, built over the historical site of the Circus of Nero, began dur ...

Rome Rome (Italian language, Italian and , ) is the capital city and most populated (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio Regions of Italy, region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special named with 2, ...

Pope Leo III Pope Leo III (; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816. Protected by Charlemagne from the supporters of his predecessor, Adrian I, Leo subsequently strengthened Charlem ...

in 800 AD.

Description

The throne is very plain and simple and entirely free of ornamentation. Six steps lead up to the seat, which is on a podium. The seat itself consists of four

marble Marble is a metamorphic rock consisting of carbonate minerals (most commonly calcite (CaCO3) or Dolomite (mineral), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) that have recrystallized under the influence of heat and pressure. It has a crystalline texture, and is ty ...

plates held together with

bronze Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (including aluminium, manganese, nickel, or zinc) and sometimes non-metals (such as phosphorus) or metalloid ...

clamps. According to one modern theory, the marble and the steps were taken from the

Church of the Holy Sepulchre The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Church of the Resurrection, is a fourth-century church in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, Old City of Jerusalem. The church is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchat ...

Jerusalem Jerusalem is a city in the Southern Levant, on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the List of oldest continuously inhabited cities, oldest cities in the world, and ...

around 800. Another (unverified) interpretation claims they are the steps of Pilate's palace, which Jesus climbed up after he was whipped.Roth 2011, p. 41. There are fine, incised lines on one of the two side-plates, which served as the board for an ancient game of

nine men's morris Nine men's morris is a strategy board game for two players, dating back to at least the Roman Empire. The game is also known as nine-man morris, mill, mills, the mill game, merels, merrills, merelles, marelles, morelles, and ninepenny marl in Eng ...

. The back plate shows an early depiction of the

crucifixion Crucifixion is a method of capital punishment in which the condemned is tied or nailed to a large wooden cross, beam or stake and left to hang until eventual death. It was used as a punishment by the Achaemenid Empire, Persians, Ancient Carthag ...

. Based on the surface treatment and the presence of etchings from several eras of pagan and Christian themes, it can be concluded that when the plates were installed here, they had belonged to at least two contexts already. The wooden interior structure, which is now in the

Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn The Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn, or LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn, is a museum in Bonn, Germany, run by the Rhineland Landscape Association. It is one of the oldest museums in the country. In 2003 it completed an extensive renovation. The museum has a ...

, supported a now-lost marble seating plate. Under that is a shelf, on which part of the

Imperial Regalia The Imperial Regalia, also called Imperial Insignia (in German ''Reichskleinodien'', ''Reichsinsignien'' or ''Reichsschatz''), are regalia of the Holy Roman Emperor. The most important parts are the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, C ...

were kept, particularly St. Stephen's Purse, according to modern research.

Radiocarbon dating Radiocarbon dating (also referred to as carbon dating or carbon-14 dating) is a method for Chronological dating, determining the age of an object containing organic material by using the properties of carbon-14, radiocarbon, a radioactive Isotop ...

shows that this oakwood panel dates to c.800. The throne rests on four stone pillars. This made it possible for visitors in later times to crawl under the throne, simultaneously a demonstration of humility to the newly anointed ruler and an act of veneration for Jesus Christ, who was related to the throne by the depiction on the rear marble plaque (see under ''Symbolism''). The polished appearance of the inner surfaces of the four pillars indicates that countless visitors must have observed this ritual over the centuries. The area is now roped off. The Throne has survived all renovations and demolitions in the chapel through the centuries. However, in the course of measures taken by the

Cathedral chapter According to both Catholic and Anglican canon law, a cathedral chapter is a college of clerics ( chapter) formed to advise a bishop and, in the case of a vacancy of the episcopal see in some countries, to govern the diocese during the vacancy. In ...

for the protection of the precious artefacts of the cathedral and its treasury against the bombing and fire-fighting water in the

Second World War World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

, it was covered with tar paper and buried in sand. Today there are dirty yellow stains on the throne from the tar paper, which have not been removed for fear of damaging the ancient graffiti on the throne. In the passage underneath the throne and in the immediate vicinity, the original Carolingian flooring is preserved. The types of stone incorporated into this are from ancient ruins and were laid in the Italian representational style. Specifically, the original flooring is of white marble, spinach-green porphyry and red porphyry from Egypt. The material might derive from the Palace of Theoderic in

Ravenna Ravenna ( ; , also ; ) is the capital city of the Province of Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. It was the capital city of the Western Roman Empire during the 5th century until its Fall of Rome, collapse in 476, after which ...

, where many similar floor tiles have been found.Roth 2011, p. 45.

Symbolism

The throne, whose symbolic connections qualify it as an outstanding document of the

Carolingian Renaissance The Carolingian Renaissance was the first of three medieval renaissances, a period of cultural activity in the Carolingian Empire. Charlemagne's reign led to an intellectual revival beginning in the 8th century and continuing throughout the 9th ...

, is found in the west gallery of the upper level (called the high church) of the Carolingian octagon. The placement of the throne is in a tight structural context within the Palatine chapel, whose proportional ratios create a symbolic image of the Heavenly Jerusalem, expressed in numbers. Probably following the biblical model of the throne of Solomon, which also placed the ruler in a separate sphere by means of a gallery, the throne was assigned the highest place and thereby unmistakably symbolised the Emperor's claim to temporal and spiritual rulership over the

realm A realm is a community or territory over which a sovereign rules. The term is commonly used to describe a monarchical or dynastic state. A realm may also be a subdivision within an empire, if it has its own monarch, e.g. the German Empire. Etymo ...

and his function as mediator between heaven and earth. In this respect the number of steps could be of symbolic relevance, since according to I Kings 10.19 Solomon's throne also had six steps and stood in a hall which was opposite a cube-shaped (i.e. six-faced) templeː the

Holy of Holies The Holy of Holies ( or ''Kodesh HaKodashim''; also ''hadDəḇīr'', 'the Sanctuary') is a term in the Hebrew Bible that refers to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle, where the Shekhinah (God in Judaism, God's presence) appeared. According ...

(I Kings 7.6f.). Deliberate reference to the model of Solomon's throne was fitting for Charlemagne's claim to an unconditional universal rule as regent of a Christian world empire, ruling over a new

chosen people Throughout history, various groups of people have considered themselves to be the chosen people of a deity, for a particular purpose. The phenomenon of "chosen people" is well known among the Israelites and Jews, where the term () refers to the ...

– so to speak as a new Solomon. This meaning is strengthened by Charlemagne's documented admiration as King for the equally prestigious father and predecessor of Solomon,

King David David (; , "beloved one") was a king of ancient Israel and Judah and the third king of the United Monarchy, according to the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament. The Tel Dan stele, an Aramaic-inscribed stone erected by a king of Aram-Damas ...

, whose role as God's governor on earth Charlemagne always sought. In 801 it is said, "We referred to Charles at court by the name 'David'."Roth 2011, pp. 42f. This message was underlined by the use of marble from the

Holy Land The term "Holy Land" is used to collectively denote areas of the Southern Levant that hold great significance in the Abrahamic religions, primarily because of their association with people and events featured in the Bible. It is traditionall ...

, which as

spolia ''Spolia'' (Latin for 'spoils'; : ''spolium'') are stones taken from an old structure and repurposed for new construction or decorative purposes. It is the result of an ancient and widespread practice (spoliation) whereby stone that has been quar ...

from the

is connected to

Jesus Jesus (AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Chris ...

Christ Jesus ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Christianity, central figure of Christianity, the M ...

and therefore also to the idea of the Divine right of kings. Furthermore, according to Medieval thought, through contact with Christ the marble plaques would be turned into holy

relic In religion, a relic is an object or article of religious significance from the past. It usually consists of the physical remains or personal effects of a saint or other person preserved for the purpose of veneration as a tangible memorial. Reli ...

s.Roth 2011, p. 40. The throne is in the western part of the chapel, which has an east–west orientation. The view of the enthroned ruler falls to the east in the expectation that the

Last Judgement The Last Judgment is a concept found across the Abrahamic religions and the '' Frashokereti'' of Zoroastrianism. Christianity considers the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to entail the final judgment by God of all people who have ever lived, res ...

would come from this direction and along with it the end of all temporal rule. The four columns of the stone podium could represent the world ruled by the temporal sovereign with its

four elements The classical elements typically refer to earth, water, air, fire, and (later) aether which were proposed to explain the nature and complexity of all matter in terms of simpler substances. Ancient cultures in Greece, Angola, Tibet, India, a ...

(fire, water, air, and earth), its four

seasons A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's axial tilt, tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperat ...

, and its four

cardinal directions The four cardinal directions or cardinal points are the four main compass directions: north (N), south (S), east (E), and west (W). The corresponding azimuths ( clockwise horizontal angle from north) are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. The four ...

. A reference to the four rivers of the

Garden of Eden In Abrahamic religions, the Garden of Eden (; ; ) or Garden of God ( and ), also called the Terrestrial Paradise, is the biblical paradise described in Genesis 2–3 and Ezekiel 28 and 31.. The location of Eden is described in the Book of Ge ...

, which brought prosperity to the earth, could also be seen.Roth 2011, p. 42. Most likely an altar consecrated to the

Archangel Michael Michael, also called Saint Michael the Archangel, Archangel Michael and Saint Michael the Taxiarch is an archangel and the warrior of God in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The earliest surviving mentions of his name are in third- and second ...

stood in the room behind the throne. Accordingly, the crowned king taking his place on the royal throne could be assured that the

Archangel Archangels () are the second lowest rank of angel in the Catholic hierarchy of angels, based on and put forward by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 5th or 6th century in his book ''De Coelesti Hierarchia'' (''On the Celestial Hierarchy'') ...

literally "had his back".

References

Bibliography

* Leo Hugot: ''Der Königsthron im Aachener Dom.'' In: '' Koldewey-Gesellschaft. Bericht über die 29. Tagung für Ausgrabungswissenschaft und Bauforschung vom 26. - 30. Mai 1976 in Köln.'' Köln, 1976, pp. 36–42. * Francesco Gabrieli, André Guillou, Bryce Lyon, Jacques Henri Pirenne,

Heiko Steuer Heiko Steuer (born 30 October 1939) is a German archaeology, archaeologist, notable for his research into social and Economic history of Europe, economic history in early Europe. He serves as co-editor of Germanische Altertumskunde Online. Career ...

: ''Mohammed und Karl der Große''. Belser Verlag, 1993, . * Sven Schütte: ''Der Aachener Thron.'' In: M. Kramp (Hrsg.): ''Krönungen, Könige in Aachen - Geschichte und Mythos''. Katalog 1999. Verlag Philipp von Zabern, , pp. 213–222. * Katharina Corsepius: ''Der Aachener „Karlsthron“ zwischen Zeremoniell und Herrschermemoria.'' In: Marion Steinicke, Stefan Weinfurter (Hrsg.): ''Investitur- und Krönungsrituale. Herrschaftseinsetzungen im kulturellen Vergleich''. Böhlau, Köln 2005, , pp. 359–375. * Hans Jürgen Roth: ''Ein Abbild des Himmels. Der Aachener Dom – Liturgie, Bibel, Kunst.'' Thouet, Aachen 2011, pp. 37–45.......

External links

* (German)
Christopher Dorbath: ''Der Thron Karls des Großen''
(PDF; 147 kB) (German) {{Coord, 50.774647, 6.083766, type:landmark_region:DE-NW, display=title Aachen Cathedral Charlemagne Individual thrones 8th-century works