Kebra Negast
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The Kebra Negast, or "Glory of the Kings," is a 14th-century Ethiopian literary work that holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is considered Ethiopia's national epic and is central to the history of the Solomonic dynasty, which claimed direct descent from King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba.12
According to the Kebra Negast, the Queen of Sheba had a son, Menelik, with Solomon. Menelik later returned to Jerusalem and, unbeknownst to his father, took the Ark of the Covenant back to Ethiopia, establishing it in the city of Aksum. This narrative is a cornerstone of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's beliefs, with the church claiming the Ark has been guarded in Aksum for centuries. While many scholars view the text as apocryphal, its influence on Ethiopian national identity and the legitimacy of its rulers was profound.21
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- Ethiopian literature
…this period was the 14th-century Kebra Negast (“Glory of the Kings”), a combination of mythical history, allegory, and apocalypse, the central theme of which is the visit of the Queen of Sheba (Makeda) to Solomon and the birth of a son, Menilek, who became the legendary founder of the Ethiopian…
Read More…this period was the 14th-century Kebra Negast (“Glory of the Kings”), a combination of mythical history, allegory, and apocalypse, the central theme of which is the visit of the Queen of Sheba (Makeda) to Solomon and the birth of a son, Menilek, who became the legendary founder of the Ethiopian…
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African literatureEthiopianThe Kebra nagast (Glory of Kings), written from 1314 to 1322, relates the birth of Menelik—the son of Solomon and Makada, the queen of Sheba—who became the king of Ethiopia. The work became a crucial part of the literature and culture of Ethiopia. Royal chronicles were…
Read MoreThe Kebra nagast (Glory of Kings), written from 1314 to 1322, relates the birth of Menelik—the son of Solomon and Makada, the queen of Sheba—who became the king of Ethiopia. The work became a crucial part of the literature and culture of Ethiopia. Royal chronicles were…
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