Queen of Sheba

May 19, 2005 10:15 AM

The Queen of Shebawas a legendary beauty from the 10th century BC. She travelled to see Israel's King Solomon, bearing his son, Menelik (said to have transported the Ark of the Covenant to Auxum, Ethiopia), is mentioned in the Bible and Koran, is a muse to poets and artists through the ages and is "viewed as the embodiment of Divine Wisdom and a foreteller of the cult of the Holy Cross". Little is known about her origins although stories are common through Persian, Ethiopian, Arabian & Israeli traditions. Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia claimed direct descent from her. She is said to have possibly lived in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan or Somalia. But recent archaeological work suggests she may be from further away than the legends describe.
via [much, much more here]
posted by peacay (11 comments total)

This is actually kind of fascinating. Nicely done.
posted by Joey Michaels at 10:55 AM on May 19, 2005

Er, King Solmon would've actually been the kingdom ruled of Judah, not Israel, which was a separate kingdom that broke away after his death. Unless you meant the geographical location of present-day Israel. That would make sense. OK, I'll go away now...

(Good post, btw.)
posted by greatgefilte at 10:58 AM on May 19, 2005

Er, King Solmon would've actually been the kingdom ruled of Judah, not Israel, which was a separate kingdom that broke away after his death.

Solomon or Shlomo (Hebrew: ????????; Standard Hebrew: Š?lomo; Tiberian Hebrew: Š?lomoh, meaning "peace") in the Tanakh (Old Testament), is the third king of Israel (including Judah)

...

Around 1050 BCE, the twelve tribes of Israel united to form the Kingdom of Israel.
posted by ori at 11:21 AM on May 19, 2005

Also, a yummy Ethiopian restaurant in Portland, OR! :)
posted by Laen at 12:16 PM on May 19, 2005

Yeah, it was all Israel, then the core that stayed with Solomon's son was Judah (including Benjamin too). The rest of Israel split off and was still known as Israel. No one would consider Solomon's Israel "Judah."

Great post.
posted by NickDouglas at 12:40 PM on May 19, 2005

pic?
posted by iamck at 12:46 PM on May 19, 2005

Thanks. Good topic, good assemblage of links. Now I understand the Ethiopia < -> Ark connection, never fully understood that.
posted by stbalbach at 5:14 PM on May 19, 2005

this is a fantastic post.

thanks peacay.
posted by soi-disant at 5:14 PM on May 19, 2005

This is the first time I've ever done the [this is good] thing.

[This is good]
posted by Sparx at 6:02 PM on May 19, 2005

Dear Sir or Madame:
My name is Sheba, former wife of Solomon, King of Judea. A mutual friend has given your name as one of trust and integrity. I am seeking your kind assistance in the transference of a Holy Ark of the Covenant and certain Nigerian financial assets in a venture I am sure you will find profitable and enriching as well. I am trusting that you can keep confidential these communications. God bless you...
posted by zaelic at 1:26 AM on May 20, 2005

Well done, peacay and zaelic both!
posted by languagehat at 5:06 PM on May 20, 2005