THRŎNUS

( θρόνος ), a throne, is a Greek word, for which the proper Latin term is Solium . This did not differ from a chair ( καθέδρα ) [ Cathedra ; Sella ] except in being higher, larger, and in all respects more magnificent. On account of its elevation it was always nece arily accompanied by a foot-stool ( subsellium , ὑποπόδιον , θράνιον ). The accompanying cut shows two gilded thrones with cushions and drapery, intended to be the thrones of Mars and Venus, which is expre ed by the helmet on the one and the dove on the other. IMG:6459379820872971714_ill376a.jpg: Throni. (From an ancient Painting.) THỸMĔLĒ. [ The at rum . ] THỸRSUS ( θύρσος ), a pole carried by Bacchus, and by Satyrs, Maenades, and others who engaged in Bacchic festivities and rites. [ Dionysia . ] It was sometimes terminated by the apple of the pine, or fir-cone, that tree ( πεύκη ) being dedicated to Bacchus in consequence of the use of the turpentine which flowed from it, and also of its cones, in making wine. The monuments of ancient art, however, most commonly exhibit, instead of the pine-apple, a bunch of vine or ivy-leaves, with grapes or berries, arranged into the form of a cone. The fabulous history of Bacchus relates that he converted the thyrsi carried by himself and his followers into dangerous weapons, by concealing an iron point in the head of the leaves. Hence his thyrsus is called “a spear enveloped in vine-leaves,” and its point was thought to incite to madne . IMG:6459379820872971714_ill376b.jpg: Tiara. (From a Coin in the British Museum.)