The concept of zoological gardens, or zoos, as places for the public to view exotic animals, is a familiar one today. Zoos serve as centers for conservation, education, research, and entertainment. But the origins of the first zoo in England trace back several centuries, to a time when the fascination with exotic creatures was closely tied to royal
The Role of Symbols in Legitimacy and Public Perception
Royal symbols are not just decorative; they perform crucial functions: Legitimacy: Symbols like crowns, coats of arms, and banners legitimize rule by claiming divine favor or historic rights. Unity: Symbols rally people behind a monarch or cause, as Joan of Arc’s banner did during wartime. Identity: Symbols distinguish one dynasty
Louis XIV and the Sun King: Symbolism as Absolute Power
In France, the reign of Louis XIV (1638–1715) marks a high point in royal symbolism used to project absolute monarchy. The Sun Symbol Louis XIV adopted the sun as his personal emblem, calling himself the “Sun King.” The sun symbolized vitality, power, and the central role of the monarch as the source of light and life for the nation. His
Symbolism in the Tudor Era: Henry VIII and Elizabeth I
The Tudor period (1485–1603) brought a flourish of symbolism designed to assert royal supremacy, especially following the Wars of the Roses. Henry VIII: The Tudor Rose and the Crown Henry VIII famously used the Tudor Rose, a combination of the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster, to symbolize the union of the two feuding houses and