The Secrets of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba

Book excerpt: As the ruler of two kingdoms, Ethiopia and Yemen, Sheba controlled the Red Sea, an important trade route, and was a legendary trader-with precious spices and stones and gold at her command. Sheba had heard of King Solomon and wanted to meet the man who was known to surpass all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. Solomon ruled Israel and built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem that housed the Ark of the Covenant; he believed in the One True God and authorized the Bible's Song of Songs and the book of Ecclesiastes. Sheba traveled six long months over the Arabian Desert to meet King Solomon in Jerusalem, where she showered him with gold and gifts, hoping to establish new trade routes. The Secrets of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba brings the story of the infamous meeting between these two influential people from ancient times to vivid life.