Title:
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Conflict archaeology in southern Jordan : Wadi Yutm and the Great Arab Revolt 1916-1918
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Using the theoretical and methodological framework of Modern Conflict
Archaeology, this study investigated the 1916-1918 conflict, known as the Great Arab
Revolt, in which the Sherifs of Mecca declared independence from the Ottoman Empire
during the First World War. The study focused on Wadi Yutm, a mountain valley in
southern Jordan fortified and occupied by the Ottoman army, which was the last leg of
the pivotal capture of Aqaba by an Arab Revolt expedition. Aqaba's capture by an
Arab force was significant not only for the Revolt and for Arab nationalism but also for
the Allies' victory over the Ottomans in the First World War.
This study, the first systematic archaeological investigation of modern conflict
in Wadi Yutm and the first archaeological study of the entire valley, presents evidence
that the Alawin Bedouin of Wadi Yutm played a pivotal role in advancing the Arab
Revolt and its allies in the Middle Eastern theater. This underacknowledged evidence
is elided in the sole written account, Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and nearly
invisible in traditional histories.
The valley contains extensive material culture spanning the Neolithic Period
through the present. Within this palimpsest is a stratigraphy of conflict that extends
from Nabataean-Roman times through today. These conflict strata are most prominent
at key strategic topographic points in the landscape, indicating that a strong relationship
exists between these points, strategic geography, and their military potential.
This study captured a diversity of archaeological and anthropological data and
overcame physical challenges imposed by difficult landscape through a variety of
traditional fieldwork methods aided by a tailored technology. Moving through
geographical, cultural, and social space, often simultaneously, required an awareness of
the terrain, the possibility of conflict, and traditional Bedouin sensitivities. These
tensions, however, were more than offset by the rich and insightful range of evidence
encountered.
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