Imperial Throne Room

The Terran Imperial Throne Room is an extensive complex which includes not only the throne room itself, but adjacent grand chambers and the attached Old Palace. It would be constructed by Alexander I, and extensively renovated by Alexander II.      

Construction

Though designed as a mirror image of the Hagia Sophia on the opposite side of the Forum of Terra, the building was constructed using vastly different techniques. Rather than being constructed of stone and brick, the Throne Room is largely a façade placed over a structural frame. Commonly believed to be steel framed, the structural members are a blend of stainless steel and titanium to give them the maximum strength and resilience. It has been noted however that earthquakes often loosen sections of the façade and the stonework is prone to cracking.   Alexander I would die before the completion of the project, giving Alexander II the opportunity to make significant changes to the structure resulting in striking visual differences from the Hagia Sophia.      

Alexander Portico

Alexander I had intended an inner and outer narthex on the front of the throne room, but Alexander II disapproved of this idea. He would construct a grand entrance consisting of three arches fronted by steps leading from the Forum of Terra. As with the entrance to the throne room, the central arch was taller and was intended for use by the imperial family. Set back and extending from either side would be an open arcade stretching one hundred meters in either direction. Atop the portico is a balcony from which the emperor can address the public in the Forum of Terra.   Space was provided on either side of the steps for the inclusion of two statues, intended for the current Prime Minister and reigning emperor. The space would remain unused until Claudius II placed statues of the popular princes Marcellus and Lysander who had been executed in the Revolution of 2214.      

Throne Room

The throne room itself is a vast chamber, measuring 76 by 32 meters, topped by a 30 meter wide dome. The space is often used for multiple purposes, also serving as a grand ballroom and dining hall. When used as a ballroom, an orchestra is placed in one of the galleries overlooking the throne room.      

Grand Dais

Originally a simple raised space in the apse, Alexander II would personally redesign the dais. The centerpiece of his design is a massive ten meter wide gilded double headed eagle, its wings outstretched to wrap partially around the throne.      

Dome

The interior of the central dome is decorated with a massive mosaic depicting the galaxy in obsidian, silver, and gold, with the gold depicting imperial worlds. The base of the dome also includes a massive holographic projection system allowing the dome to be turned into any scene desired.        

Chambers

The side chambers would be put to a variety of uses, most often as social spaces for small gatherings prior to levees. Alexander IV would have the chambers on either side of the dais enclosed with glass doors and windows to provide private meeting spaces for the emperor and Prime Minister immediately adjacent to the throne room. The chambers directly above these would be enclosed and used as service areas.      

Statuary

The enclosure of the upper chambers on either side of the apse resulted in six niches intended for statuary. There would be much debate over what to place in these spaces, resulting in them typically holding hanging plants rather than statues as intended. It would not be until 2338 that a decision was finally made by the Terran Parliament. In the niches to the south of the apse are statues of Traian, Constantius, and Rauschning II, while the north contains Alexander IV, Alexander II, and Gerard II.      

The Old Palace

Two palace wings are attached to the rear of the throne room, the original palaces intended for the use of the emperor and Prime Minister. While the ground floor of the emperor’s wing remains largely intact, the rest of that wing contains the barracks for the Imperial Lictors responsible for guarding the throne room. The former Prime Minister’s wing has been converted to office space and support services for events in the throne room.