The Queen of Sheba - Icon Profile | Alexandria
The Queen of Sheba
The Queen of Sheba stands as one of history's most enigmatic monarchs, known in various traditions as Makeda (Ethiopia), Bilqīs or Balqīs (Islamic sources), or Nicaula (ancient Roman accounts). This legendary sovereign, who ruled the ancient kingdom of Saba (in modern-day Yemen) around the 10th century BCE, emerges from the mists of antiquity as a figure of extraordinary wealth, wisdom, and diplomatic prowess.
The earliest and most famous account of the Queen appears in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 10:1-13) and later in the Quran (27:22-44), describing her remarkable visit to King Solomon's court in Jerusalem. These narratives present her as a ruler who challenged Solomon with riddles and philosophical questions, bringing lavish gifts of gold, precious stones, and rare spices. Archaeological evidence from ancient Saba supports the existence of powerful queens during this period, with inscriptions and monuments suggesting a sophisticated civilization engaged in lucrative trade routes across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Through millennia, the Queen of Sheba's story has evolved across diverse cultural traditions, each adding unique layers to her mystique. Ethiopian tradition, preserved in the Kebra Nagast (Glory of Kings), identifies her as the founder of the Solomonic dynasty through her supposed son with Solomon, Menelik I. Islamic histories paint her as a sun-worshipper who converts to monotheism, while medieval European chronicles often portrayed her as a sibylline figure possessing occult knowledge.
The Queen's legacy continues to captivate scholars, artists, and storytellers, inspiring countless works across literature, art, and popular culture. Her story resonates with contemporary themes of female leadership, cross-cultural dialogue, and the complex interplay between power and wisdom. Modern archaeological discoveries in Yemen and Ethiopia continue to unveil new aspects of her possible historical context, while leaving tanttalizing questions unanswered: Was she a historical figure, a composite of several rulers, or a powerful symbol of feminine sovereignty? The Queen of Sheba remains a testament to how historical figures can transcend their original context to become enduring symbols of human aspiration and cultural exchange.