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Course: The J. Paul Getty Museum > Unit 1
Lesson 5: Stories in stoneVideo
The Elgin Throne is an ancient Greek artifact from the 3rd century BCE that’s full of symbolism and ancient myths. Learn how this marble ceremonial chair depicts the heroes of its time. One of them may have even played a part in the very birth of democracy! Created by Getty Museum.
Video transcript
When you think of
a throne, what do you imagine? A regal chair, ornate,
carved, a symbol of power? Now, get that image out of your head
because it's not at all what we're talking about here. No, this throne is made
of hard, gray marble and scientifically speaking probably wouldn't have been too comfortable
for your gluteus maximus muscles. In Athens around the third century BC it would have been used in a public forum
so everybody could marvel at it. Let's get a closer look. On the back are two olive
wreaths, symbols of honor. On the sides are depictions
of two different stories. The first is of Harmodios
and Aristogeiton, also known as the Tyrannicides,
the bug spray against oppressive rulers, the Ghostbusters of tyrants. Harmodios and Aristogeiton
killed the oppressor Hipparchos in 514 BCE and were hailed as heroes
to the Athenian people. On the other side,
we travel from history into mythology with the depiction of Theseus
and Antiope in battle. Theseus at the time
was helping Herakles on a quest to steal the belt of Queen
Hippolyte of the Amazons. No, not that Amazon,
the warrior tribe in Greek mythology. While fighting the Amazons, Theseus
kidnaped Antiope Hippolyte's sister, which led to war between the Athenians
and the Amazons, and eventual Athenian victory. Theseus was the first king to be sort of kind of okay with his people
having a say on certain issues. And some ancient historians
believed this led to the all important birth of democracy. What kinds of people
get special seats today?