Adiadem is acrown, specifically an ornamentalheadband worn bymonarchs and others as abadge ofroyalty.
The word derives from theGreek διάδημαdiádēma, "band" or "fillet",[1] from διαδέωdiadéō, "I bind round", or "I fasten".[2] 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 theking 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 metalcrown, generally in a circular or "fillet" shape. For example, the crown worn by QueenJuliana of the Netherlands was a diadem, as was that of abaron later (in some countries surmounted by three globes). The ancientCelts were believed to have used a thin, semioval gold plate called amind (Old Irish) as a diadem.[3] 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.[4]
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 calledtiara). In some societies, it may be awreath worn around the head. The ancient Persians wore a high and erect royal tiara encircled with a diadem.Hera, queen of theGreek gods, wore a golden crown called the diadem.
The "Priest King" statue made by theIndus Valley civilization (c. 3300 – c. 1300 BCE) wore a headband that is possibly a diadem.[5][6]
By extension, "diadem" can be used generally for an emblem of regal power or dignity. TheRoman emperor's head regalia worn, from the time ofDiocletian onwards,[citation needed] is described as a diadem in the original sources. It was this object that theFoederatus generalOdoacer returned to EmperorZeno (the emperor of theEastern Roman Empire) after his expulsion of the usurperRomulus Augustus fromRome in 476 AD.
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