Wendell Phillips. The American 'Lawrence of Arabia'

The historical basis for my first avatar for this month's theme. Phillips was an oilman turned explorer who launched extravagant expeditions to the country of Yemen in the 1950s. He excavated the ancient site of Marib and fueled speculation as to whether or not the stories about the Queen of Sheba were true.

He has a mixed legacy in Yemen today. Some view him as a showboat and a graverobber. Still, an undeniably fascinating historical person whom it's a wonder no one made a film dramatization about him yet.