Curule seat

The term kurulischer chair (latin sella curulis fem; " car seat" ) called in ancient Rome, the official chair of the magistrates as a symbol of power. Its origin was the sella curulis probably kings who spoke of her car down right in the chair ( Etruscan ) sitting on it.

As " curulis " the holder of higher offices was called. The curule magistrates, as kurulischer aedile, praetor, consul and outside the Cursus honorum the Censor, were higher regarded than the non- curule magistrates ( tribune of the people, aediles plebeii and Quaestor ). Even the dictator was allowed to sit on the sella curulis, as the flamen dialis.

The chair, as such, was a folding chair and had x - shaped curved legs, but no arms and backrest. He was award and status symbol. Later, often decorated with precious materials such as gold and ivory, which demonstrated the special status, this chair was not meant for everyday use, but only for official acts as especially court sessions.

The sella curulis remained in Roman Empire and Late Antiquity a central symbol for the exercise of legitimate political power and jurisdiction; even after the end of ancient times it was associated with imperial and royal authority and secular rule.