Solomon

Also known as: Shlomo, Sulayman

Born: 990 BCE Died: 930 BCE Era: monarchy

Solomon

Third king of Israel, renowned for wisdom after asking God for understanding rather than riches. Built the First Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marked Israel’s greatest extent and prosperity. Author of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Yet his many foreign wives turned his heart to other gods, leading God to promise the kingdom would be divided after his death. In Islam, a prophet-king with power over jinn and animals.

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