# Kebra Nagast

> 14th-century text about the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia

**Wikidata**: [Q1123371](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1123371)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebra_Nagast)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kebra-nagast

## Summary
Kebra Nagast is a 14th-century Ethiopian literary work that narrates the legendary origins and divine right of the Solomonic dynasty. It is a foundational text in Ethiopian religious and political history, linking the monarchy to the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This text is also known by alternate titles such as "Kebra Negast" and "The Glory of the Kings."

## Key Facts
- Kebra Nagast is classified as a literary work (instance_of: Q7725634).
- It originates from the 14th century and is centered on the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia.
- Alternate titles include "Kebra Negast" and "The Glory of the Kings."
- The work is linked with the following identifiers:
  - P373: Kebra Nagast
  - P646: /m/04xz16
  - P1417: topic/Kebra-Negast
  - P4223: kebra-nagast
  - P7846: LIT1709Kebran
  - P8189: 987007263647805171
- It is associated with the following aliases:
  - Kebra Negast
  - The Glory of the Kings
- Kebra Nagast is part of the broader field of literature and is recognized as a significant work in Ethiopian cultural and religious history.
- It is maintained under the category "Category: Literary works" and is part of the documentation curated by WikiProject Books.
- The work is distinct from general written works, versions, editions, and translations, which are considered separate entities.

## FAQs
**What is the Kebra Nagast?**  
The Kebra Nagast is a 14th-century Ethiopian literary work that details the history and divine legitimacy of the Solomonic dynasty. It is a significant religious and historical text that connects the Ethiopian monarchy to biblical figures like King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

**What are the alternate names for the Kebra Nagast?**  
It is also known as "Kebra Negast" and "The Glory of the Kings."

**How is the Kebra Nagast classified?**  
It is classified as a literary work, a type of written work that is distinct from general texts due to its artistic and intellectual value.

**What is the historical significance of the Kebra Nagast?**  
The text plays a central role in legitimizing the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopian history, linking it to a divine mandate. It is also a cornerstone of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian identity and tradition.

**What identifiers are associated with the Kebra Nagast?**  
Key identifiers include:
- P373: Kebra Nagast
- P646: /m/04xz16
- P1417: topic/Kebra-Negast
- P4223: kebra-nagast
- P7846: LIT1709Kebran
- P8189: 987007263647805171

**Is the Kebra Nagast considered a work of art?**  
Yes, it is considered a literary work, which is a subclass of "work of art," indicating its cultural and artistic value.

**What distinguishes the Kebra Nagast from other texts?**  
Unlike general written works, the Kebra Nagast is specifically a literary work with deep religious, historical, and cultural significance in Ethiopian society.

**How is the Kebra Nagast maintained and documented?**  
It is curated by WikiProject Books and categorized under "Category: Literary works" for structured documentation and scholarly reference.

**What is the role of the Kebra Nagast in Ethiopian culture?**  
It serves as a foundational narrative for the Ethiopian monarchy and religious identity, reinforcing the divine origin of its rulers and the centrality of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

**What is the Kebra Nagast's relationship to the Solomonic dynasty?**  
The text establishes the theological and historical basis for the Solomonic dynasty's claim to rule, connecting it to the lineage of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

## Why It Matters
The Kebra Nagast is a cornerstone of Ethiopian cultural and religious identity. It legitimizes the Solomonic dynasty by linking it to the divine, particularly through the story of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. As a literary and theological work, it has shaped Ethiopian national consciousness and continues to influence religious and historical narratives in the region. Its enduring legacy is evident in its role in both Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and the broader African literary tradition.

## Notable For
- Being a 14th-century text that legitimizes the Ethiopian Solomonic dynasty
- Linking the monarchy to the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
- Serving as a foundational religious and literary work in Ethiopian culture
- Being classified as a literary work, distinct from general written texts
- Having multiple aliases: "Kebra Negast," "The Glory of the Kings"
- Being curated under "Category: Literary works" and maintained by WikiProject Books
- Containing deep theological, historical, and cultural significance in Ethiopian society
- Influencing both religious and political narratives in Ethiopia
- Being part of the broader field of literature and recognized in digital archives
- Having specific identifiers for cataloging and scholarly reference:
  - P373: Kebra Nagast
  - P646: /m/04xz16
  - P1417: topic/Kebra-Negast
  - P4223: kebra-nagast
  - P7846: LIT1709Kebran
  - P8189: 987007263647805171

## Body
### Definition and Nature
Kebra Nagast is a 14th-century Ethiopian literary work that explores the origins and divine legitimacy of the Solomonic dynasty. It is a text of immense cultural, historical, and theological importance, linking the Ethiopian monarchy to the biblical narrative of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. The work is considered a literary creation intended for both edification and cultural preservation.

### Classification and Relationships
Kebra Nagast is classified as a literary work, a subclass of "work of art" and "written work." It is distinct from general written works, versions, editions, and translations, which are considered separate entities. The text is part of the broader field of literature and is curated under "Category: Literary works" by WikiProject Books.

### Properties and Identifiers
Kebra Nagast is associated with the following identifiers:
- P373: Kebra Nagast
- P646: /m/04xz16
- P1417: topic/Kebra-Negast
- P4223: kebra-nagast
- P7846: LIT1709Kebran
- P8189: 987007263647805171

It is also known by the aliases:
- Kebra Negast
- The Glory of the Kings

### Cultural and Academic Context
The Kebra Nagast plays a central role in Ethiopian religious and historical identity. It is foundational to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Solomonic dynasty's narrative of divine rule. The work is referenced in academic and cultural archives, including:
- University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706
- Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID: literary-works
- Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID: 223088
- Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID: 13535

### Maintenance and Curation
Kebra Nagast is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation and scholarly engagement.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
Kebra Nagast is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from "version, edition or translation" and "fiction," which are considered separate entities.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
The work is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement. It is part of the broader field of literature and is recognized in both religious and academic contexts.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File