Makeda (died 982 BC) was the Queen of Sheba and Ethiopia from 1013 to 982 BC, succeeding Tawasaya Dews and preceding Menelik I.
Biography
Makeda was born in the southern Arabian kingdom of Sheba, and she rose to rule over one of the wealthiest trade empires in the world, including both present-day Yemen and Ethiopia. In 1012 BC, King Solomon of Israel sent merchants across the world to buy materials for the construction of a temple in Jerusalem, and the Sabaean merchant Tamrin visited Israel and was impressed with Solomon's great riches, his generosity, and his wisdom, exhorting Queen Makeda to visit Solomon. Makeda traveled to Jerusalem and was warmly welcomed, given an ornate dwelling, and received gifts every day. She sought Solomon's wisdom and, satisfied with his answers, converted to Judaism. Solomon impregnated Makeda with a son, the future Menelik I, who was raised in Ethiopia. Makeda died in 982 BC.
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