Ep 8. The Legacy of King Solomon, Part 1

In The Naked Archaeologist season 2 episode 8, titled "The Legacy of King Solomon, Part 1," host Simcha Jacobovici explores the legend of King Solomon and delves into the mystery behind his vast wealth. Through interviews with historians and experts, as well as on-site investigations in Israel, Yemen, and Ethiopia, Jacobovici pieces together the story of Solomon's empire and the enigmatic queen of Sheba.

The episode begins with a tour of the fabled copper mines of Timna, where archaeologists have uncovered evidence of an ancient mining operation that might have been responsible for Solomon's riches. Jacobovici speaks with a local expert who explains how the ancient copper industry worked and how Solomon might have monopolized this valuable resource.

From there, he travels to Yemen to investigate the story of the queen of Sheba, who is said to have visited Solomon and been impressed by his wealth and wisdom. Jacobovici explores ancient texts and oral traditions to piece together the story of this legendary queen and her journey to meet the Israelite king.

Next, Jacobovici heads to Ethiopia, where he uncovers evidence of a mysterious group of Jews known as the Beta Israel. These people claim to be descendants of King Solomon himself and have a rich tradition of oral history that tells of their connection to the biblical king. Jacobovici delves into the history of this group and explores their claim to the Solomon legacy.

Throughout the episode, Jacobovici collects clues and evidence that shed light on the story of King Solomon and the mystery of his vast wealth. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a sense of awe at the scale of Solomon's empire and a desire to learn more about this enigmatic figure from biblical history.

"The Legacy of King Solomon, Part 1" is a fascinating exploration of one of history's most legendary kings, and a reminder of the rich stories and mysteries that still await us in the ancient past.