The answer is: True

2 Chr 9

Way back in 2 Chronicles 9, the Bible gives us this fascinating peek into King Solomon's wealth and influence. Not only was he famed for his wisdom, but according to verse 21, Solomon’s fleet of ships returned from Tarshish bearing tangible treasures—gold, silver, ivory, and yes, even apes and baboons! The mention of exotic animals like apes really sparks the imagination about trade routes during that time. It indicates how far-reaching those connections were.

Now, let's take a quick dig into Tarshish! Many believe it refers to a historical place linked with the region of southern Spain or possibly modern-day Tartessos. It's spotlighted often in scriptures as a hub for commerce—a magnificent trading port where rare commodities sailed away bound for Jerusalem.

Fun fact: Solomon’s vigour for gathering certain oddities through trade portrays an opulent lifestyle that seems ripped straight from fairy tales or adventure movies. These stories echo the motifs found in other ancient practices whereby treasures illuminated not only wealth but also power over creation—a common theme throughout many cultures.

Also intriguing is how these tales contrast with contemporary views on nature. While we today strive to conserve species rather than collect them as possessions, this ancient account actually reflects humanity’s ongoing relationship with the natural world—a reminder that context shapes our understanding! How delightful it is to see these connections blossom across time!