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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Al Madinah, in Saudi Arabia, is the second most holy city for Muslims throughout the world and has a long and rich heritage. However, most of the historical and traditional buildings, city walls and holy places have been replaced with modern structures. But, there have been several attempts, many by individuals, to preserve the heritage of Al Madinah. This thesis took an in-depth look at the history of Al Madinah, with emphasis on a 3D virtual environment which was produced as part of this project and inspired by a 3D model depicting the historical city of Al Madinah. First, this research examined the documentation of the historical city and identified its limitations by visiting location museums and evaluating the display mediums concerned with the heritage of Al Madinah. To contrast the traditional methods employed in local museums, eight museums in the UK were visited to explore their use of technology and digital devices. After these two initial steps, the main contribution focused on developing an effective installation to present the heritage of Al Madinah using first hand material. The Madinah Virtual Heritage (MVH) installation was developed in two main stages and tested for its usability. MVH provides a virtual reality experience by using an affordable head-mounted VR display, which would be especially beneficial for local museums with limited budgets. This thesis gives an overview of how to create a virtual heritage environment, and the principles can be applied to other fields. The findings show that there are limited resources available to understand the heritage of Al Madinah, especially because local museums are self-funded and use traditional media and redundant displays. The use of 3D is a possible solution to reconstruct the demolished buildings. Virtual reality brings interactivity and engagement to the installation, which could be used in local museums as it is now available in head-mounted format at an affordable cost.