King Solomon is the common denominator linked to the countries of the Biblical Magi. The Hebrew Bible presents Solomon, King of Israel (10th century B.C.) and builder of the first Temple in Jerusalem, as a wise man, author of the book of Proverbs and Song of Songs, a great connoisseur of the secrets of plants and animals, but not as a magician. His reputation as an astrologer appears as early as the 2nd century BC, and in the 1st century AD, Jewish historian Flavius Josephus presents him as having written 3,000 books of exorcisms and incantations against diseases caused by demons. In the Koran, God is said to have granted Suleyman (Solomon) a wealth of wisdom, the gift of speaking to certain animals, and the gift of controlling the winds. He is said to have given him a ring with a seal known as the "Seal of Solomon," which allows him to command even the most powerful genies (jinns) and demons (shayatin). These creatures, subdued by the ring, are said to have taught Solomon all the occult sciences, magic and sorcery, architecture, and other arts, and to have helped build the "Temple of Solomon."