327. Coronations: The Deep History

The roots of the coronation ritual are fabulously ancient: certain elements of the ceremony are vestiges from the later Roman Empire, others have their origins in the Old Testament and ancient Egypt. The liturgy used can be traced back to the 10th century, and the very idea of kings taking part in rituals comes from Charlemagne. In light of the first British coronation in more than half a century taking place this weekend, Tom and Dominic explore the historical and sacral roots of the coronation ritual.
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[@henkvandergaast3948]

Brill as usual!!!

[@briangarrow448]

I’m listening to this on KZbin on the Thursday preceding the coronation of Charles. I look forward to seeing the protests by various anti monarchy activists will attempt. And to watching the coronation. I know, that’s a diametrically opposed viewing experience, but that’s the great advantage of the internet. I grew up with a home that had 3 television channels. The changes made by the internet to information distribution is amazing.

[@Gargoiling]

The Pope is the Pontifex: the bridge builder. This is a title adopted from the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar was pontifex, a sort of head, priest and I think all subsequent emperors held this title and role, at least till Christianity. The association of religion with bridge building may be very ancient. For example, on the Thames, there are bronze age jetties, where swords and objects such as the Battersea shield were thrown into the water in some sort of religious ceremony. This is also perhaps related to the legend of Excalibur. What about the ceremony when a new pope is installed? Are there elements of Roman (and hence earlier) pageantry in that?

[@noondayaxeman4668]

Christ is the anointed one. David was a type of Christ who pointed to the coming messiah, Jesus.