The Legendary Queen Makeda: Mother of the Ethiopian Nation
For a truly captivating journey into the heart of Ethiopia’s ancient history, there is no story more central or fascinating than that of the Queen of Sheba, or as she is known in Ethiopia, Queen Makeda.
A Royal Quest for Wisdom
Makeda was the powerful, wise, and exotic ruler of a great kingdom, which many historians place in the area of ancient Axum (Aksum) in Northern Ethiopia. Driven not by trade, but by an insatiable curiosity and a hunger for knowledge, Makeda embarked on an epic 1,400-mile journey across deserts and seas to Jerusalem. Her goal? To test the legendary wisdom of King Solomon of Israel.
She arrived with an immense caravan, not of just gold and spices, but with a trove of “hard questions”—philosophical and theological riddles—that she presented to Solomon. To her astonishment, he answered every single one to her complete satisfaction. She was so impressed by his wisdom and his faith in his God, that she converted to monotheism.
The Founding of a Dynasty
The Ethiopian legend, vividly told in the sacred national epic Kebra Nagast (The Glory of the Kings), continues with a romantic twist. King Solomon, determined to have a son with Makeda, cunningly tricked her into breaking an oath of abstinence. As she returned to her kingdom, she bore his son, whom she named Menelik I.
Menelik, meaning “son of the wise man,” later traveled to Jerusalem to meet his father. King Solomon begged him to stay, but Menelik insisted on returning to his mother’s land. As Menelik departed, legend claims that the sons of the priests, including the high priest’s son, stole Israel’s most sacred treasure—The Ark of the Covenant—and secretly brought it with Menelik to Ethiopia.
The Eternal Legacy
This incredible legend establishes the Solomonic Dynasty, which ruled Ethiopia for centuries and believed they were direct descendants of King Solomon and Queen Makeda. More importantly for Ethiopia, it is believed that Menelik I brought the true Ark of the Covenant to the holy city of Axum, establishing a direct, sacred connection between Ethiopia and the Holy Land that defines the Ethiopian Orthodox faith to this day.
A Sight You Must Not Miss!
You can witness this captivating story for yourself! The legend of Queen Makeda and King Solomon is one of the most popular and enduring subjects in Ethiopian Christian art. As you travel through the northern part of Ethiopia, you will see vivid, colorful paintings of her journey, her meeting with Solomon, and Menelik’s return, gracing the walls and manuscripts of most of the historic churches you will visit.
