diphros

The diphros was a type of stool popular in ancient Greece. It typically featured four crossed, turned legs, sometimes connected by stretcher bars. These legs might terminate in hoofs or claw feet. The convenience of folding stools was recognized early, making the diphros a practical choice.1

Stools, in general, are armless and backless seats for one person. They were known to ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Vikings, often featuring four straight legs or an "X" shape with crossed legs. Stools have historically reflected societal etiquette and symbolism, and by the 19th century, they often became rustic or ornamental, with the exception of the barstool.2