14. Emperor Haile Selassie and the Lion of Judah
Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia embraced the title “Lion of Judah,” linking his rule to a biblical lineage said to descend from King Solomon. This divine claim bolstered his legitimacy at home and resonated far beyond Ethiopia, inspiring the Rastafarian movement, which revered him as a messianic figure. Selassie’s unique blend of political authority and sacred heritage is explored in depth by the BBC.
