Wander Lord

Interesting on art, nature, people, history

Category Archive: History

Amazing city of Queen of Sheba

Amazing city of Queen of Sheba. Ruins of ancient Marib

Amazing city of Queen of Sheba. Ruins of ancient Marib


Queen of Sheba is one of the most famous biblical characters. She is first mentioned in the Third Book of the Old Testament Kings. And although her existence is considered unproven, the image of Queen of Sheba had a significant impact on the folklore and literature of the peoples of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
In our days, filmmakers have repeatedly use this character in their works. But where was her country?
Scientists had been trying to enter the city of Marib where in ancient times the legendary Queen of Sheba ruled. However, its location for a long time remained a secret that was carefully kept by the local Arab tribes and the authorities of Yemen. In 1976, another attempt to enter the coveted city was made by the French. They corresponded with the Yemeni authorities for seven long years, until they obtained permission to visit the ruins by one person who was only allowed to examine them. And then they decided to send a Parisian photographer from the Figaro magazine, who knows how to shoot with a hidden camera.
More »

Real wooden boy Pinocchio

Real wooden boy Pinocchio

Real wooden boy Pinocchio

In 2001, a group of American archaeologists from Boston conducted excavations in Florence. Once the Americans decided to go for a walk. Passing through a shady churchyard, they discovered the burial of certain Lorenzini (1826-1890). On the tombstone, it was indicated that he was known under the pseudonym Carlo Collodi and that he was the author of the fabulous story “The Adventures of Pinocchio”, famous all over the world.
Having stood in sorrow at the grave of the famous writer, archaeologists continued their journey. They took a dozen steps, and one of the scientists exclaimed: “Look, what a ridiculous coincidence, right next to the ashes of Collodi Pinocchio rests!”
On the tombstone of Pinocchio Sanchez, it was written that he was born in 1790 and died in 1834. Hence, adult Pinocchio Sanchez could theoretically communicate with little Lorenzini.
More »

Holidays painted black

Holidays painted black

Holidays painted black


First and foremost, Black connotes death, mourning, and evil. Besides, a liberal use of black has negative overtones as the color of ill omen, hell, and damnation. However, for the ancient Egyptians, black (the color of the Nile Delta soil) meant life, growth, and well-being. Anyway, Black is beautiful. Meanwhile, Black has always been associated with night, and, for this reason, is also associated with unknown, mystery, and intrigue. And it is amazing how many world’s festivals, celebrations, fiestas, and holidays devoted to black. In other words, have Black not only in their names, but also in content. For instance, Black and White Ball, Black Christ Festival, Black Cowboys Parade, Black Friday, Black Hills Passion Play, Black Madonna Feast, Black Hills Passion Play, Black Nazarene Fiesta, Black Poetry Day, Black Ships Festival, Fiesta of the Black St. Benito, Black History Month, and some more.
More »

Black Hills Passion Play theatrical legend

Photo collage. Black Hills Passion Play theatrical legend. photo credit rapidcityjournal

Photo collage. Black Hills Passion Play theatrical legend. photo credit rapidcityjournal


One of Europe’s oldest productions, the Passion Play festival took place in June – August. It recreated events during the last seven days of the life of Christ. Meanwhile, it was first presented on the American stage in 1932. And it was American missionary and ethnologist Josef Meier (7 November 1874 – 28 November 1945) who brought it to the United States from Germany.
Although the story of Christ is eternal, the Black Hills Passion Play was not. Unfortunately, the Black Hills Passion Play had its final curtain call on August 31, 2008. Attendance had dropped throughout the later years. In all, more than 10 million people and four generations of families had attended the Black Hills Passion Play and made it a theatrical legend.
More »

Taxi traditional yellow color history

Taxi traditional yellow color history

Retro Taxi traditional yellow color history


Undoubtedly, we are all used to the fact that the color of the taxi is yellow. Meanwhile, the yellow color of the taxi is due to a man named John Hertz. It was thanks to him that the world acquired classic yellow taxis. Besides, he was the founder of Hertz Corporation (founded in 1910). In particular, the company provided services in the field of car hire – the pride and heritage of the Americans.

How did this amazing person manage to achieve such a result? Everything is simple enough. Born into a poor family, John earned his initial capital through car sales. And to overtake competitors, they invented a fairly simple and original idea – to take as a fee for a new car an old buyer’s car. In addition, Hertz repainted old cars into yellow color and used as a taxi! This is how the first public taxi in the US, called Yellow Cab, appeared.
More »

Interesting valenki

Interesting valenki

Interesting valenki


Nowadays, valenki are again in fashion. Valenki are traditional Russian footwear made of felt. They are colorful and very warm.
People learned to make felt long ago. Carpets, hats, clothes, and many other things were already made of it long before our era. A thousand and a half years ago, people already knew how to make shoes with felt inserts. Then they began to sew the felt and make slippers. And only about two hundred years ago, an unknown master made a felt boot without seams.
Technologically, the manufacture of valenki is not complicated. At first the wool is cleaned and rolled for a long time. Then it is washed, beat and dried. To give color, they use alum, bluestone and blue sandalwood, and for lightening they use whitewash mixed with fresh milk or bleach in the sun.
If you want to get smooth valenki you should rub them with a pumice stone. And if you need woolly valenki you should use a grater.
More »

Siege of Leningrad. Pages of history

Siege of Leningrad. Pages of history

Siege of Leningrad. Pages of history


Siege of Leningrad. Pages of history. During World War II German and Finnish armies besieged Leningrad for 872 days. It was the Soviet Union’s second largest city and important center for armaments production. The destruction of Leningrad was one of Adolf Hitler’s strategic objectives in attacking the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. German Army Group North sealed off Leningrad on September 8, 1941. About 2.5 million people were trapped within the city. During the siege of Leningrad 632 000 people died of hunger, 17 000 Leningraders were killed by bombs and shells, 840 factories and 53.5 million square feet of housing were destroyed.
The only connection that Leningrad maintained with the rest of the Soviet Union was across Lake Ladoga, which German aircraft patrolled.
Hitler’s plan was to subdue Leningrad through blockade, bombardment, and starvation prior to seizing the city. German artillery gunners, together with the Luftwaffe, killed approximately 17,000 Leningraders during the siege.
More »