In the early decades of the 20th century, the regions of Syria, Mesopotamia and Arabia were at the forefront of diplomatic intrigue and conflict as the Ottoman Empire struggled to maintain control in the face of colonial challenges from Britain and France and independence aspirations from the Arab population. T.E Lawrence was a colourful and controversial figure in his own lifetime, but his reputation was sullied in the press in the later decades of the 20th century, and analysis and interpretation of his life and contribution remain divided.Lawrence was deemed a British hero in 1918 and summoned to Buckingham Palace to receive a knighthood, which he refused in disgust at what he perceived as betrayal of the Arabs. Lawrence of Arabia became a household name again in 1962 with the release of the epic film starring Peter O'Toole.Lawrence was only 46 when he died as the result of a motorcycle accident in Dorset in May 1935.
Share