
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA
OVERVIEW

The Queen of Sheba was a legendary monarch renowned for her wealth, wisdom, and diplomatic influence. Mentioned in ancient religious and historical traditions, she is most famously remembered for her journey to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon, where she tested his wisdom with challenging questions and witnessed the splendour of his kingdom. Her story is associated with the ancient kingdom of Sheba, often linked to present-day Yemen and, in Ethiopian tradition, to Ethiopia. Celebrated for her intelligence, confidence, and leadership, the Queen of Sheba represents the power and prestige of female rulership in the ancient world.
Her legendary visit to Solomon symbolises diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of knowledge between powerful kingdoms. In Ethiopian tradition, she is known as Makeda and is associated with the origin story of the Solomonic dynasty through her legendary son, Menelik I. Although historical details about her life remain uncertain, her enduring legacy transcends cultures and generations.