Byzantium

The Byzantium exhibition at the Royal Academy has some fascinating mosaics, jewellery, carved ivory and icons on display. The opulence of the Byzantine court is exemplified by the throne of Constantine VII Porphyrogenitos (born of the purple) 905-959. This was the so-called throne of Solomon beside which were golden lions and a bronze tree in which there were golden birds which sang different songs. Visitors would enter, prostrate themselves on the floor before the Emperor at which point the throne would rise high off the ground, the golden lions would roar and the golden birds sing. They were technologically advanced and it is believed that the idea of the throne came from the Islamic court in Baghdad. I do not know what happened to the throne but sadly it is not in the RA exhibition.