Wendell Phillips, dead at the age of 54, was surely the world’s richest archaeologist. The “riches” part of his rags-to-riches story resulted from hundred of oil leases which gave him the right to extract and sell the black gold. At his death, he was the largest individual holder of oil concessions in the world. Some time ago, his personal wealth was estimated in excess of $120 million. Lowell Thomas, the radio commentator and explorer, once referred to Phillips as “the American Lawrence of Arabia”. Phillips knew and loved the Arabian desert like few other westerners. Of all his honors, […]
