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Queen of Sheba

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Monarch

The Resume

    Lived in the 10th Century BC
    Known as Makeda in Ethiopian accounts and Balqis in Islamic tradition
    Unnamed in Biblical accounts
    Ruled a land located in modern Ethiopia and Eritrea or Yemen or both
    Visit to King Solomon recounted in First Kings 10:1-13

Why she might be annoying:

    Her name and the location of the land she ruled are the subject of debate.
    Although rich herself, Solomon gave her ‘everything she desired.’
    Although early historians such as Josephus and church fathers such as St. Jerome considered her a black African, she was portrayed by white Italian Gina Lollobrigida in the film ‘Solomon and Sheba’ (1959).

Why she might not be annoying:

    She brought four and half tons of gold with her to give to Solomon.
    The Ethiopian emperors claimed to be descended from her and Solomon.
    According to Ethiopian tradition, when she drank a glass of water without asking, Solomon demanded that she sleep with him as a punishment (which seems extreme for a breach of etiquette).

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 34 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 60 Votes: 51.67% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 23 Votes: 52.17% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 13 Votes: 23.08% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 78 Votes: 47.44% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 26 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 59 Votes: 52.54% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 107 Votes: 42.06% Annoying