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Countess Alexandra von Zarnekau

Kutaisi, 10 May 1883 – Paris, 28 May 1957

8 facts2 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 10 May 1883

    Born in Kutaisi

  2. 28 May 1957

    Dies in Paris, aged 74

Family

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Parents

Partner

During her lifetime

She lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Kutaisi.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1880s · Countess is born in Kutaisi

In the news1884

Standardized time zones adopted globally

In 1884, global standardized time zones were introduced, largely driven by the need to synchronize railway schedules and public life in the industrialized German Empire.

What people wore

Sunday workwear with a white cravat

A 7 November 1880 “tableau de Wenzel” shows four women gathering olives, including one wearing a neat work costume with a white cravat and a yellow fichu over a white headcloth. The source notes the outfit seemed “too coquettish” for work, explained by the fact it was Sunday.

Getting around

Poor conditions for train passengers

During the late 19th century, trains were often poorly lit, forcing passengers to bring portable candles to read, and heating was only provided in first-class carriages using hot water bottles.

The motor car. Carl Benz patented his three-wheeled Motorwagen, the first practical car powered by a petrol engine.Around the world · 1886

The motor car. Carl Benz patented his three-wheeled Motorwagen, the first practical car powered by a petrol engine.

supplied by Carl Benz to William Worby Beaumont · public domain

In the news1883

Baku-Batumi Railway Opens in 1883

Direct train services began in 1883 between Baku and the port of Batumi, fundamentally transforming the region's economy by enabling mass transport of oil products.

Music

Violins, accordions, and brass were common instruments

Common instruments in rural settings included violins and accordions, while brass bands played wind and percussion instruments like drums, cymbals, and triangles.

Daily life

Protective headgear for children

Children often wore protective headgear called a bourrelet, a thick tress of straw designed to shield them from bumps and falls.