Queen of Sheba history: between the power, the wisdom, and the beauty

Introduction:

Queen of Sheba, or Bilqis, is an enigmatic historical figure who has intrigued people for centuries. She is mentioned in the Bible, the Quran, and in Ethiopian and Yemeni legends, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction. Her kingdom, Saba, was located in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula and was known for its wealth and prosperity. This article will explore the history and legends surrounding the Queen of Sheba, attempting to unravel the mystery of this fascinating historical figure.

The Queen of Sheba: from flicker, created by A.Davey, Originally a wall painting in a church in Lalibela, Ethiopia, the piece is now in the collection of the National Museum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Historical Context:

The Queen of Sheba is believed to have lived in the 10th century BCE, during the reign of King Solomon in Israel. The kingdom of Saba was known for its trade in spices, incense, and myrrh, which were highly prized commodities in the ancient world. Saba was located at a crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, making it an important center of commerce.

The Queen of Sheba is said to have traveled to Israel to meet with King Solomon, whom she had heard was a wise and powerful ruler. According to the Bible, she brought gifts of spices, gold, and precious stones with her, and was impressed by Solomon's wisdom and wealth. The two rulers are said to have had a long conversation, in which they discussed a variety of topics, including politics, religion, and philosophy.

Legends and Mythology:

Over time, the story of the Queen of Sheba has been embellished with various legends and myths. Ethiopian and Yemeni legends, for example, claim that the Queen of Sheba was a powerful sorceress who could control the elements and communicate with animals. According to these legends, she had a son with King Solomon, named Menelik, who later became the first emperor of Ethiopia.

Other legends claim that the Queen of Sheba was a beautiful and wealthy queen who was renowned for her wisdom and intelligence. She is said to have been a skilled diplomat and a successful trader, and her kingdom was known for its prosperity and cultural achievements.

The Queen of Sheba in Literature and Art :

The story of the Queen of Sheba has inspired many works of literature and art over the centuries. In the Bible, she is mentioned in the books of Kings and Chronicles and is also referred to in the New Testament. The Quran also mentions her, and in Islamic tradition, she is considered a prophetess.

In Western literature, the Queen of Sheba has been the subject of many poems, plays, and novels. One of the most famous literary works inspired by her is the play "The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe, in which she appears as a temptress who seduces the title character.

In art, the Queen of Sheba has been depicted in many different ways. In Western art, she is often shown as a beautiful queen dressed in luxurious clothing, surrounded by attendants and exotic animals. In Ethiopian art, she is often depicted as a powerful sorceress, holding a snake or a crocodile.

Conclusion:

The Queen of Sheba is a fascinating historical figure who has captured the imagination of people for centuries. While her story has been embellished with various legends and myths over time, there is no doubt that she was a powerful ruler who presided over a wealthy and prosperous kingdom. Her meeting with King Solomon is one of the most famous diplomatic encounters in history, and her legacy continues to be felt in Ethiopia and Yemen, where she is revered as a national hero. As such, the Queen of Sheba remains an enduring symbol of power, wisdom, and beauty.

Bibliography:

Kitchen, Kenneth A. "Queen of Sheba." Oxford University Press, 2002.

Parker, Richard A. "The Queen of Sheba and Her Son Menilek." East African Literature Bureau, 1955.
Trimingham, J. Spencer. "Islam in Ethiopia." Oxford University Press, 1952.

Hitti, Philip K. "History of the Arabs: From the Earliest Times to the Present." Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.

Daftary, Farhad. "The Ismailis: Their History and Doctrines." Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Shah, Idries. "The Sufis." Octagon Press, 1977.

Budge, E. A. Wallis. "The Queen of Sheba and Her Only Son Menyelek." Dover Publications, 2003.

Munro-Hay, Stuart. "Aksum: An African Civilization of Late Antiquity." Edinburgh University Press, 1991.

Pankhurst, Richard. "Ethiopian Royal Chronicles." Oxford University Press, 1967.

Littmann, Enno. "Arabische Berichte über die Königin von Sabaʾ." J. C. Hinrichs, 1906.