The Most Ravishing Women of All Time: Five – The Queen of Sheba

According to mythology and religious texts there once was an ancient kingdom, twelve centuries past, ruled by a beautiful, opulent queen – the Queen of Sheba. Accounts vary according to which religion is preached but the Queen of Sheba’s quest to cross-examine King Solomon of Israel was so burning in her bosom she brought caravans laden with spices, gold and fabulous wealth to him. Whether she is a myth, or a fact, we may never know yet her tale sets her apart from all other women’s tales for its’ sheer glory.

Refreshed and Alive

Image via Wikipedia

A great flood cleansed the Earth. The descendants of Noah repopulated the land with an abundance of natural resources to enjoy. They could want for nothing. Supposedly a direct descendant, one generation after Noah, the Queen of Sheba was so rich it was remarkable. She also was highly inquisitive; most curious about the famed-wisdom of a certain King Solomon dwelling in the North. She vows, “I will visit him.” Loading four and a half tons of gold onto her caravan she departed to Jerusalem. She demanded answers. She departed for Jerusalem with a twenty mile caravan of gold.

It Is Written

References to the Queen of Sheba are located in two bible books – the Song of Solomon and the Book of Kings. The former refers to a possible romance betwixt King Solomon and the Queen. The Bible recounts the story as a political gesture between of two heads of state. In the Book of Kings Sheba utters a blessing upon Solomon after he answers her incessant probing.  So impressed by this magnificent Queen, King Solomon bestows all that she desires. It was the Kings’ wish not to be seen as cheap that he heaps her with extra-lavishness. This is a fine example of, “gifting.”  Two parties, “out-gift,” each other. In any case, the level of giving was over-the-top.

Image via Wikipedia

That Koran

References to a Sun-worshiping Queen, “Balquis,” in the Koran, give us the Islamic view. Upon hearing from a mythic Hoopoe Bird about a ravishing Queen in a near-by Kingdom, Mighty Solomon takes it upon himself to invite her to worship Allah. Fearing an invasion she sends him presents. He scoffs. King Solomon next lays out a challenge, “Bring me her throne!” A jinni, or demon, snatches it in a flash. King Solomon then invites Balquis (Sheba) to come forth to see if she will recognise her now-disguised throne. Upon arrival she does. Not to be outsmarted, as he is all-wise, he asks her to cross a glass threshold. She thinks it’s water, lifting her skirt, so it doesn’t soak.  Thus, she is tricked and so converts.

A Refreshing Glass of Water

The Ethiopian Royal family claims direct line from Queen Sheba naming her, “Queen Makeda.” In this sexy-account she was seduced by King Solomon siring a son – the first Ethiopian King. This proffers one of the more vivid and realistic tomes of seduction and intrigue. Here, Solomon offers Makeda a lavish greeting-banquet spiked with thirst-inducing herbs. Queen Makeda begs King Solomon not to take her; that she is merely interested in his Mensa-like mind. Transfixed by her winsomeness he agrees on proviso she, “Not take anything from my Royal House.” Slightly taken aback, that she, one so endowed would care to steal, they complete the repast amicably and she retires.

Sheba awakens later that night burning with thirst. Crafty King Solomon had placed a cool, refreshing glass of water beside her divan. She gulps the cooling fluid and the King appears. He ejaculates, “To steal naught you vowed!” Her word – smashed. Queen Makeda was now his, spending a glorious night in each other’s arms, siring that first King of Ethiopia, Menelik I.

Image via Wikipedia

Many Tales – Many Myth

The Queen of Sheba’s story is trapped in the myth. She is variously recounted in both Egyptian and Greek tales as well as in the Bible. Her story is one that has probably been told and retold across the Levant and into history as one of:

1.  Great wealth, beauty and mystery

2.  Mind games, wisdom and cat-and-mouse cunning

3.  A tryst between two great, flush monarchs from centuries past.

Other Most Ravishing Women of All Time by this Author:

1 – Cleopatra

2 – Helen of Troy

3 – Mata Hari

4 – Nell Gwyn