Tutankhamun's throne

Tutankhamun’s throne. Photo from M. Eaton-Krauss, The Thrones, Chairs, Stools, and Footstools from the Tomb of Tutankhamun (Oxford: Griffith Institute, 2008), 176, plate 4.

This magnificent golden throne was excavated from the tomb of the Egyptian king Tutankhamun (reigned circa 1332–1323 B.C.E.). Many scholars believe the biblical ark of the covenant was conceived as a divine throne, based in part on its title in 1Sam 4:4, "the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim." We also have evidence that ancient Near Eastern thrones were often decorated with images of cherubim, much as Tutankhamun's throne is made up of powerful and mythical creatures, including lions and uraei—sacred royal snakes. Here the uraei appear in elaborate headdresses and are coiled into the corners of the throne; their outstretched wings form the armrests.