Queen Makeda and King Solomon
In the 10th century BCE, Queen Makeda of Ethiopia (known as the Queen of Sheba) heard of King Solomon's unparalleled wisdom and journeyed to Jerusalem with a magnificent caravan laden with gold, spices, and precious stones. Solomon was captivated by her beauty and intelligence. Through clever trickery, he persuaded her to stay, and she conceived his child. Before returning to Ethiopia, Solomon gave her a ring as a sign of their covenant. Makeda gave birth to a son, Menelik I (Bayna-Lehkem), who would later travel to Jerusalem as a young man. Solomon recognized his son and anointed him king of