Ethiopians are proud of their long history, which traces back to biblical times and is firmly rooted in the legend of King Solomon and the beautiful Queen of Sheba.  Sheba is believed to have lived in Axum, today a holy city in Tigre Province of the Northern Highlands.  Ethiopians tell the story this way: Sheba was not only a beautiful woman, but also wise and longed to pay a visit to Solomon, the famous King of Judea.  Messages and presents were exchanged between the sovereigns and Sheba accepted King Solomon’s invitation(s) to visit him in the land of the Hebrews

The Queen was as much impressed with the King’s wisdom and the luxury of his court as he was by her extraordinary beauty.  The King wanted very much to have Sheba as the mother of one of his children but she steadfastly refused.

One day King Solomon made the Queen promise that if she took anything from his palace without his permission, she would immediately become his.  That evening, he had a very salty and spicy meal served, and as the King and his guests retired behind the curtain where their beds had been prepared, a tempting vase of clear water and a crystal glass were left in a prominent place.

About Midnight Sheba tortured by thirst poured herself a cup of the water whereupon the King, who had been watching came out from  behind his curtain, “Aha,” he said, “I caught you taking from my palace something which does not belong to you.  Remember that which you promised?”

The Queen of Sheba returned to Ethiopia where she subsequently gave birth to King Solomon’s son.  When the child was old enough, the Queen sent him to his father.  King Solomon was thrilled to welcome his son and saw to it that the boy was well educated.  He completed his studies and was sent back to Ethiopia with a present to his mother and country: The famous Tablets of the Law of Moses.  In time, Sheba’s son became the King of Ethiopia, with the name Menelik.

These events are believed to have taken place nearly one thousand years before the birth of Christ.  The Tablets of the Law of Moses, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, are said to rest this day in the old church of St. Mary of Zion at Axum.