A cathedra is the raised throne of a bishop in the early Christian basilica. When used with this meaning, it may also be called the bishop's throne. With time, the related term cathedral became synonymous with the "seat", or principal church, of a bishopric.
The cathedra of the Pope in the apse of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome
Modern cathedra at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles
Cathedra (19th century) showing arms of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Rosemont, Pennsylvania)
Bernini's massive sculptural reliquary for the Cathedra Petri, the "Chair of Peter", is in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, and placed above and behind one of the altars
A throne is the seat of state of a potentate or dignitary, especially the seat occupied by a sovereign on state occasions; or the seat occupied by a pope or bishop on ceremonial occasions. "Throne" in an abstract sense can also refer to the monarchy itself, an instance of metonymy, and is also used in many expressions such as "the power behind the throne".
Fanciful depiction of Solomon on his throne
Stone relief depicting Xerxes the Great seated on a throne
Vision of John of Patmos from the Book of Revelation (4:4)—four seraphim surround the throne of Christ, twenty-four elders sit on thrones to either side (Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry)
Throne of the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople in the Phanar, Istanbul. On the dais the Gospel is enthroned on a curule chair, in front of it, lower down is the patriarch's throne.
