As an expert in ancient history and cultural studies, I have a deep interest in the historical and geographical identifications of ancient kingdoms and their rulers. The question you've asked about the name of Sheba in contemporary terms is quite intriguing and requires a nuanced understanding of historical texts and traditions.

Step 1: English Answer

The name "Sheba" is derived from the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, where it refers to a queen who visited King Solomon, bringing gifts and seeking wisdom. The story of the Queen of Sheba is one of the most famous narratives in the biblical tradition and has been interpreted in various ways over the centuries.

In the Ethiopian and Yemenite traditions, the Queen of Sheba is known as "Makeda" or "Makida," and she is considered a significant figure in Ethiopian history. According to the Kebra Nagast, a 14th-century Ethiopian text, Sheba is identified with the land of Ethiopia. This text is a mix of history, hagiography, and myth, and it has been influential in shaping the Ethiopian national identity.

The Kebra Nagast places Sheba in a region that is now part of Ethiopia, specifically in the northern Tigray Region and Eritrea. Historically, this area was known as Saba, which some scholars believe may be related to the biblical Sheba. The term "Saba" could be a reference to the ancient kingdom of Saba, which was located in what is today Yemen. The Sabaean kingdom was known for its wealth and its control over the lucrative frankincense and myrrh trade routes.

However, the identification of Sheba with a specific modern location is complex and subject to scholarly debate. The biblical Sheba is often associated with the Sabaean kingdom, but the exact geographic correspondence is not clear. Some scholars argue that the biblical Sheba is a conflation of several different ancient kingdoms, including the Sabaean kingdom in Yemen and possibly others in the Horn of Africa.

In modern times, the name "Sheba" is not typically used to refer to a specific country or region. Instead, it is often used in a more general sense to evoke the historical and cultural legacy of the ancient kingdom. For example, the name might be used in the context of historical discussions, artistic representations, or as a symbol of wisdom and wealth in various cultural contexts.

It's also worth noting that the story of the Queen of Sheba has been adapted and reinterpreted in many different cultures and traditions. In some interpretations, she is a symbol of female power and wisdom, while in others, she is seen as a figure of exoticism or mystery. The story's enduring popularity reflects its ability to resonate with a wide range of audiences and to be adapted to different cultural contexts.

In conclusion, while the name "Sheba" has a rich and complex history, it does not correspond to a specific modern country or region. Instead, it serves as a link to the past, a symbol of the historical and cultural legacy of an ancient kingdom that has captured the imagination of people for centuries.

**read more >>

Ethiopian and Yemenite tradition. ... In the medieval Ethiopian Kebra Nagast, Sheba was located in Ethiopia. Some scholars therefore point to a region in the northern Tigray Region and Eritrea, which was once called Saba (later called Mero?), as a possible link with the biblical Sheba.read more >>