Diadem Of Płock

A diadem is a crown, specifically an ornamental headband worn by monarchs and others as a badge of royalty.

Overview

The word derives from the Greek διάδημα ''diádēma'', "band" or "fillet", from διαδέω ''diadéō'', "I bind round", or "I fasten". The term originally referred to the embroidered white silk ribbon, ending in a knot and two fringed strips often draped over the shoulders, that surrounded the head of the king to denote his authority. Such ribbons were also used to crown victorious athletes in important sports games in antiquity. It was later applied to a metal crown, generally in a circular or "fillet" shape. For example, the crown worn by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands was a diadem, as was that of a baron later (in some countries surmounted by three globes). The ancient Celts were believed to have used a thin, semioval gold plate called a ''mind'' (Old Irish) as a diadem. Some of the earliest examples of these types of crowns can be found in ancient Egypt, from the simple fabric type to the more elaborate metallic type, and in the Aegean world.

A diadem is also a jewelled ornament in the shape of a half crown, worn by women and placed over the forehead (in this sense, also called tiara). In some societies, it may be a wreath worn around the head. The ancient Persians wore a high and erect royal tiara encircled with a diadem. Hera, queen of the Greek gods, wore a golden crown called the diadem.

The "Priest King" statue made by the Indus Valley civilization () wore a headband that is possibly a diadem.

By extension, "diadem" can be used generally for an emblem of regal power or dignity. The Roman emperor's head regalia worn, from the time of Diocletian onwards, is described as a diadem in the original sources. It was this object that the Foederatus general Odoacer returned to Emperor Zeno (the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire) after his expulsion of the usurper Romulus Augustus from Rome in 476 AD.

Gallery

File:Goldschmuck - Diadem.jpg, Gold diadem. Greek, probably made in Alexandria, Egypt, and belonging to a noblewoman of the Ptolemaic dynasty (220–100 BC): the clasp is shaped as a Herakles knot
File:MET DT9229.jpg, Gold diadem. India, 9th–10th century
File:Crown of Sit-Hathor Yunet (Senusret II's daughter).jpg, The diadem or crown of Princess Sit-Hathor Yunet from her tomb. 12th Dynasty Egypt 19th century BC.
File:17th Dynasty Crown (Nubkheperre Intef).jpg, 17th Dynasty diadem crown ( Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
File:MycenaeDiadems.jpg, Elliptical diadem from Mycenae, Greece (16th century BC)
File:Diodotus I of Bactria wearing the diadem.jpg, Diodotus of Bactria wearing the ''diadema'', a white ribbon which was the Hellenistic symbol of kingship
File:Greek - Greek Diadem - Walters 571541.jpg, The centerpiece of this Hellenistic diadem is a Herakles knot, known for its apotropaic powers and its status as a symbol of fertility. Walters Art Museum, c. 3rd – 2nd century BC.
File:Greco-Roman - Woman's Head with Diadem - Walters 23241 - Right.jpg, Greco-Roman bust of a woman wearing a diadem (100 BC – 100 AD)
File:Tiberius II.jpg, Imperial diadem as worn by Eastern Christian Roman emperors from the 4th century onward
File:ArdashirIGoldCoinHistoryofIran.jpg, Ardashir I of Sassanian Persia wearing very elaborate diadems
File:03 Yacimiento calcolítico FuenteOlmedo by Ni.jpg, Gold diadem, copper dagger and archery equipment, Bell Beaker culture, Spain, c. 2200 BC
File:Young woman with a diadem from Buenos Aires, Argentina (9338285893).jpg, An Argentine woman with a diadem

See also

* Civic crown
* Mural crown
* Stephane (headdress)

References

External links

Diadem
at Livius.org

Diadem
at Everything2.com

{{Authority control

Crowns (headgear)
Types of jewellery