It betokened rank in all ancient civilizations and became more luxurious in the Byzantine era. The diadem took its definitive form under the Byzantine emperor Justinian as a circlet surmounted by a sort of arched headpiece with a cross. fr. diadein to bind on both sides.

diadems-/Of brown bee-studded orchids which were meant for Cytheraea's brows are hidden here -Oscar Wilde