What is Kibre Negest?

Kibre Negest, also known as the "Glory of Kings," is a religious and historical text that originated in Ethiopia. It is a collection of stories and teachings that cover a wide range of topics, including the history of Ethiopia, religious beliefs, and moral lessons. The text is considered to be an important part of Ethiopian literature and culture, and is often used as a source of inspiration and guidance for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The Kibre Negest (Glory of Kings) is a medieval Ethiopian historical compendium that narrates the history of the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia, tracing the origins of the dynasty to the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. It is considered one of the most important religious and historical texts in Ethiopian Christianity.

Key Features:

- Origin: Compiled in the 14th century
- Religious Significance: It is considered sacred by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
- Historical Narrative: It traces the genealogy of the Solomonic dynasty from King Solomon to King Lalibela and beyond.
- Biblical Connections: It draws heavily from biblical events and characters, including the Queen of Sheba, the Ark of the Covenant, and the visit of the Wise Men.
- Legendary Elements: It also contains legendary and mythical accounts, such as the story of Menelik I, the son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
- Ethiopian Identity: The Kibre Negest plays a significant role in shaping Ethiopian national and cultural identity.

Significance:

- Historical Source: It is a valuable source of information about Ethiopian history, particularly during the pre-Aksumite and Aksumite periods.
- Cultural Heritage: It is an integral part of Ethiopian literature and cultural heritage.
- Religious Influence: It has had a profound impact on Ethiopian Orthodox Christian beliefs and practices.
- Political Legitimacy: It has been used to justify the divine right of the Solomonic dynasty to rule Ethiopia.