Final answer:
The Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia claimed descent from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, with claims dating back to Yekunno Amlak in 1270. This claim continued until the late twentieth century with the rule of Haile Selassie. Ethiopia's rich cultural history and religious significance are deeply connected to these lineages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The African kingdom whose ruling dynasty claimed to be the descendants of King Solomon from the Hebrew Scriptures is Ethiopia. The dynasty that made such a claim is known as the Solomonic dynasty. This claim originates from Yekunno Amlak, who overthrew the last Zagwe ruler in 1270 and traced his lineage to the Aksumite kings, ultimately leading back to the union of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This storied lineage continued until the deposition of Emperor Haile Selassie in the twentieth century. Ethiopian rulers, especially during the Solomonic period, did not maintain a fixed capital but moved across the seasonally diverse landscape.
Ethiopia's history is rich, intertwining elements of Judaism, Christianity, and local traditions. It situated itself as a major hub in ancient global trade, and even myths of the kingdom being led by Prester John found their way into global lore, reflecting the cultural significance of Ethiopia throughout history. The link between the Ethiopian monarchy and the biblical figures was also culturally reinforced through the claimed presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Aksum, connecting Ethiopian religiosity and monarchy to ancient Jewish history.