CONRAD IVER Profile

Arthur E. Faxe, the eccentric entrepreneur and amateur archaeologist, sails this month
for ancient Mesopotamia in search of human fossils and in the hope of proving the
Darwinian Theory of Evolution. Faxe has chosen a region of the Tigris-Euphrates Valley
known since ancient times as Vages for the site of his expedition. This area is
distinguished by an immense and prominent boulder that can be seen for miles and is
known locally as the Rock of Vages. A small cleft, or opening, at the base of the rock is
the site of an unusual collection of fossils. The cleft, discovered in 1854 by French
archaeologist, Henri Formie, is described in scientific literature as Rock of Vages, Cleft
Formie. By arrangement with the local government, Faxe and his entourage will establish
an extensive camp in an abandoned military fort near the archaeological site and
overlooking the Tigris River.
Purveyors of goods to the expedition advise that no less than fifty cases of fine wines and
champagnes will accompany Faxe along with appropriate linen, silver and china, tables,
chairs, canopies and tents, as well as a quantity of armaments for hunting and defense
against bands of brigands which are known to roam the area. A domestic staff of thirty will
be on hand, as well as an archaeological research team of seven.
The expedition, by arrangement with the Turkish government,
will occupy an old fortress situated near the site of the dig.
The fort, unused by the present government but once a key military post,
is called Fort Ap Aachih.