He reigned in Israel between 970 and 931 BC and was known and respected for being a wise, just and powerful king.
He raised the Israelite monarchy to the highest degree of prosperity, built the temple of Jerusalem, walled this city, and cultivated the arts and sciences.
It tells the story that a trial took place in which two women disputed the maternity of a baby and King Solomon, to find out which of them was the real one, handed over his sword to a soldier and ordered him to cut the creature in two, to give half to each. The real mother then begged the king not to kill the child and give it to the other woman.
With this test, Solomon immediately discovers which of the two was lying, showing his wisdom and justice.