Solomon
Solomon, son and successor of David. Reigned from about 960 BC to 930 BC, in the middle of the 10th century BC. His deeds are recorded in the Old Testament. Solomon's father, David, founded the Jewish dynasty and sought to establish an empire from the borders of Egypt to the Euphrates River. After Solomon succeeded to the throne, he eliminated his political opponents and installed his friends in positions of power in the army, government, and religious institutions. Solomon also strengthened his position through marriage. He married the daughters and sisters of kings from various places, one of whom was the daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt, who captured and burned the Canaanite city of Gaza and gave it to Solomon. Like all founders of empires, Solomon maintained his territory by force. In addition to infantry, he also had an amazing army of chariots and cavalry. The network of trading posts established by Solomon later became the core of the Jewish ghetto. The Solomon Empire was mainly about commerce, and all government agencies served trade. He built legations around the capital, Jerusalem, for major foreign trade missions stationed in Israel. Queen of Sheba (in southern Arabia) visits Solomon. Solomon built the walls of Jerusalem and the temple. Solomon was an energetic administrator. He redivided the original 12 tribes of Israel into 12 administrative districts. Each district was appointed by the king to have a governor, and the 12 governors were under the control of a great governor. Solomon was also known as a wise man. He is also a famous poet and has written more than 1,000 poems. It is said that he composed the "Song of Songs" and "Proverbs" included in the Bible. Solomon's reign was the peak period of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah. ??The army was strong, business was prosperous, and the Temple of Jehovah and the gorgeous royal palace were built in Jerusalem one after another. Therefore he is regarded as the greatest king of ancient Israel. In his later years, he was extravagant and indulged in women, which caused the country to go from bad to worse. After death the country was divided.