Diadem
A diadem (Greek: Διάδημα, from the Greek word diadeo, meaning "to bind" or "to fasten") is a type of head ornament in the form of a crown, typically made of precious metals and stones. A diadem that does not form a complete circle is referred to as a tiara.
Head ornaments resembling diadems have been known since ancient times. A diadem is a type of crown and has been used as a symbol of male status since ancient times. In Egypt during the Old Kingdom, a golden diadem-crown known as the seshed was an attribute of pharaohs, starting with Pharaoh Sneferu.
However, the ornament first referred to specifically as a diadem appeared in ancient Greece—originally as a priestly headband. Researchers believe that ancient Greek diadems symbolized the transition of a person into the realm of the dead. Another predecessor of the modern diadem is the laurel wreath. In ancient Greece and Rome, the wreath, a symbol of glory and triumph, could be made of gold.
Roman matron Antonia Minor as Juno. Rome, 1st century AD. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
Greek Diadem, 3rd century BC
Greek Diadem from the Tomb in Madytos. 330-300 BCRelated topics
Women in Ancient Greece, Women in Ancient Rome, Earrings, Rings, Necklace
Gallery
Golden diadem with vegetal decoration. Greece, 4th century BC
Greek gold diadem, 3rd-2nd century BC
Greek gold diadem, 3rd-2nd century BC
Greek gold diadem, 3rd-2nd century BC
