Fearless Facts About T.E. Lawrence, The Real "Lawrence Of Arabia”


1. The Real “Lawrence Of Arabia” 

Known to the world as “Lawrence of Arabia”, TE Lawrence remains one of the most legendary figures in history—perhaps that’s there’s still so many questions about the man himself. To some, he was a daring archaeologist who proved to be a great friend to the Arab people during a time of political turmoil and war. But to others, Lawrence would go on to become an agent of the British Empire after betraying a cause he once would have done anything to defend.  

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2. His Family Had Scandalous Origins

Thomas Edward Lawrence was born in 1888, the second child of Sir Thomas Chapman and Sarah Junner. Junner had been the governess to Chapman’s daughters until the two ran off together. Looking to escape the scrutiny of their former community, Chapman and Junner moved from Ireland to Wales and lived under the name “Lawrence”. As he was named after his father, young Thomas Edward was called “Ned” by the family. 

But despite this affectionate nickname, Lawrence’s childhood was far from idyllic.

 T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)pavellas.blogspot, Wikimedia Commons

3. His Parents Kept Them In Line

With five boys to manage, it was no wonder that Lawrence’s parents tried to maintain strict discipline in the home. Lawrence’s mother often whipped him for minor misbehaviors, and tried to instill in him her own religious faith. However, the resistant lad was more interested in outdoor pursuits—and a different side of TE Lawrence was about to emerge.

 Lepidus Magnus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

4. He Moved To Oxford

After moving around Britain several times in Lawrence’s early childhood, the family settled in Oxford in 1896. Living in the university town was a turning point for the studious Lawrence; his father even built a separate shed for Lawrence to have more privacy while studying. But the young history student was far from your average bookworm.

 Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

5. He Cycled Around The Country

Not content to while away his time reading, Lawrence decided to explore the country around him for firsthand evidence of its past glories. When he was 15, he and a friend cycled the English countryside for miles around, taking rubbings of monumental brasses from every church in the area. Those rubbings would change Lawrence's life

 Flight Lieutenant Smetham, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

6. He Was Published Young

Lawrence and his buddy were soon scouring local building sites, scooping up anything they could find. The young archaeologists took their findings to the prestigious Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University. The Museum experts were impressed, and published the boys’ findings in a newsletter in 1906–Lawrence was only 18. 

Little did he know, the Ashmolean would also lead him to a very important person.

 Hubert Winthrop Young, Picryl

7. He Toured France

Unsatisfied by his forays into the English countryside, Lawrence continued his exploration into France. Riding his bicycle around northern France, he collected measurements, drawings, and photographs of the rich heritage of medieval castles. He also learned to speak the French language, becoming so proficient that, on several occasions, locals wanted to know what part of France he was from. Lawrence’s growing knowledge gave him a boost of confidence as he looked ahead to university. 

 Cassowary Colorizations, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

8. He Could Tell A Great Story

Lawrence was admitted into Jesus College, Oxford in 1907 with history as his major. But he attracted the notice of his classmates with his penchant for a good story—even if it seemed he was sometimes stretching the truth. He even told his mates that he had run away from home to join the army when he was 17. Though the story has been retold in many books, there is no record of him ever serving in the army at that time. 

As if being a raconteur wasn’t enough, Lawrence also enjoyed a good prank.

 trialsanderrors, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

9. He Was A Prankster

Lawrence had a penchant for the unpredictable, often climbing over walls and scaling towers around the university town. He would also canoe down the Trill Mill Stream that runs under the Oxford Streets, and fire a starter’s pistol up through the sewer grates! While most of his classmates scratched their heads at Lawrence’s unusual behavior, one of them had become drawn to the brilliant young prankster.

 Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

10. They Were Just Friends

Lawrence and his classmate Vyvyan Richards became fast friends at Oxford based on their shared interests. Richards spent a great deal of time at Lawrence’s cottage—but while he was romantically interested in Lawrence, the latter did not reciprocate. Seemingly uninterested in women or men, Lawrence focused on his studies and a physically demanding daily routine.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

11. He Pushed Himself Hard

Some of Lawrence’s habits surprised his Oxford classmates. In wintertime, he would often plunge into the icy waters of a nearby river for a swim. Other endurance feats included going days without food or sleep, or practicing pistol shooting with both hands for hours on end. But an even greater endurance test lay ahead.

 Harry Chase, Wikimedia Commons

12. He Headed Back To France

In the summer of 1908, Lawrence went on a more far-reaching bicycle tour of France. He cycled as far as the Mediterranean coast, home of extensive Roman sites in addition to all the churches and castles. The photos and mementoes he took back would form the material for an undergraduate thesis, but he would soon be struck by an even bigger idea.

 MATSON ERIC, Wikimedia Commons

13. He Got A Big Idea

Lawrence brought all the photos and writings from his southern France trip to the Ashmolean. He approached David Hogarth, a highly accomplished archaeologist who’d been very impressed with Lawrence’s earlier finds in the local area. Learning that Lawrence was planning a summer trip to the Middle East to research the Crusader castles there, Hogarth advised against it. He was astonished at Lawrence’s response.

 Lowell Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

14. He Stuck To His Plan

Lawrence not only insisted on carrying out his trip to the Middle East in the brutal conditions of July and August—he was planning to go on foot! A veteran of many Middle East archaeological digs, Hogarth shrugged in amazement as his warnings to Lawrence went unheeded. But Lawrence wasn’t going in unprepared.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

15. He Made Intense Preparations

Lawrence worked with a tutor all that school year to learn Arabic. In great detail, he carefully worked out his itinerary, what clothes he would wear, and the kind of gun he would carry. Though he was not afraid of the dangers, he knew he would be entering a lawless land with scorching heat. He was ready.

 Lowell Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

16. He Thrived In The Desert

Arriving in Beirut, Lawrence walked 20 miles a day on his journey to northern Syria. Honest and outgoing, he never had a problem finding food or overnight accommodations. But his good nature would be put to the test.

 Imperial War Museums, Picryl

17. He Came Under Fire

As his Oxford professors had warned, walking through the Syrian countryside in a suit and tie would attract unwelcome attention. One day, a man on horseback shot at Lawrence with a rifle from 200 yards away. Unfazed, Lawrence fired back with his pistol, grazing the horse and causing it to run off with its startled rider. Though the threat was averted, he soon had a more dangerous encounter.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

18. He Was Mugged

Walking near Aleppo, Syria, Lawrence was accosted by a man wanting to steal his watch. Knocking Lawrence over the head with a rock, he grabbed Lawrence’s pistol, but couldn’t figure out how to work the action. The robber bashed Lawrence in the head several times, and made off with his belongings. Local village elders apprehended the thief, but Lawrence decided to return to England. Yet despite the robbery, he couldn’t wait to return to the Middle East.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

19. He Got A Ticket Back

Hearing that his old friend Hogarth was planning a dig in northern Syria in 1911, Lawrence persuaded the professor to take him on as a research fellow. In return for his assistance on the digs, Lawrence could expand on his thesis work. But working with a team would present new challenges.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

20. He Was Not Star-Struck

No longer working on his own, Lawrence had to adapt to working alongside some of the best archaeologists in the world. One of these was the renowned Gertrude Bell. Initially dismissive of the young Lawrence, she was soon impressed by his command of the language and history of the region. But however important it was to have the respect of colleagues, life in the Middle East often brought more immediate problems.

 Unknown Artist, Picryl

21. He Was Often Knocked Off His Feet

Lawrence suffered several bouts of malaria starting with his trip to southern France. The heat and the constant mosquitoes meant that Lawrence had contracted malaria four times by his mid-twenties. He once almost died of dysentery. It’s possible that his immune system was strengthened by these sick spells, which would recur through his time in Asia. 

But while desert research was often harsh, Lawrence made a lifelong friend while on the project.

 George M. Georgoulas, Wikimedia Commons

22. He Made A Lifelong Friend

Lawrence developed a friendship with a local Syrian teenager, Salim Ahmed, nicknamed “Dahoum”. Noticing the boy’s intelligence, Lawrence began tutoring him in math and English, while Dahoum helped Lawrence improve his Arabic. While there is no evidence that the relationship ever became physical, Lawrence’s later writings revealed the depth of his love for the boy. And there was a good reason for their close bond.

 Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons

23. They Stuck Together Through Thick And Thin

Lawrence and Dahoum travelled together often, and were once mistaken for deserters from the Turkish army. According to Lawrence’s story, the two were tossed in jail and badly beaten before being released. But this harrowing experience didn’t prevent them from travelling even farther afield together.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

24. He Took Him Back To England With Him

Lawrence invited Dahoum and the Arab foreman of the digging crew to travel back to England with him. Lawrence wanted to reward both men for all they’d done for him, and to show his parents—especially his mother—that his future now lay in Arabia, not England. This was not the only proof of Lawrence’s growing attachment to the region.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

25. He Understood Their World

Supervising and working the digs with the local people of the region allowed Lawrence to gain real insight into the politics, customs, and cultural feuds of the region. In March 1914, Lawrence helped resolve a violent feud among workers building the Baghdad railway near his archaeological digs. And Lawrence was already putting his knowledge to use in other ways as well.

 Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons

26. He Went On A Mapmaking Mission

Lawrence received the opportunity to map all the important biblical sites in Sinai and southern Palestine for a private research group. The British Army had secretly backed the project to gain better information about the terrain in the region in case of a war with the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). With the mapping completed in the summer of 1914, Lawrence returned to England.

 British National Archives, Wikimedia Commons

27. He Proposed Marriage

Lawrence had known Janet Laurie since their childhood, and she remained a longtime family friend. One day, Lawrence startled Janet by asking for her hand in marriage, an offer she abruptly turned down. This incident is the only known romantic involvement that Lawrence ever had with a woman. 

Though hurt by the rejection, Lawrence quickly moved on; he’d turned his attention to the worsening international situation.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

28. He Didn’t Jump In

Lawrence didn’t leap off his couch to join the army upon the outbreak of the First World War, only joining up a couple of months after the conflict began. Through his old friend Hogarth’s connections, Lawrence was appointed to the intelligence office in Cairo as lieutenant-interpreter. There, he joined the effort against the Turks, who had allied with the Germans. But if Lawrence expected excitement, he would have to wait.

 Lowell Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

29. He Was Stuck At A Desk

Lawrence spent 1915 doing office work in Cairo. His main duties were producing maps, interrogating prisoners, and producing daily bulletins for commanders in the field. While Lawrence was immersed in mundane intelligence-gathering activities, he received terrible news.

 G. Eric and Edith Matson, Wikimedia Commons

30. He Lost Two Brothers

Lawrence received news that two of his brothers—Frank and Will—had lost their lives on the Western Front. He took the news with stoicism. Still emotionally distant toward his mother, his letter of condolence didn’t provide her with the level of sympathy that she was hoping for. As the grim Lawrence soldiered on, he was tagged for an important mission.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

31. He Went On A Rescue Mission

With British and Indian armies surrounded by the Turks in Kut, Iraq, British intelligence dispatched Lawrence and another agent to negotiate a paid amnesty for the troops. Upon arrival in the area, Lawrence promptly came down with malaria. The negotiations failed and the besieged troops were herded off to Turkish POW camps. Returning home empty-handed, Lawrence wondered how to turn the dismal military situation around.

 Imperial War Museums, Getarchive

32. He Was Delighted At The News

The glum Lawrence then had his spirits lifted by incredible news: The tribes in Arabia had started a rebellion against the Turks. Always a strong believer in Arab independence, Lawrence was eager to find a way to help. He wouldn’t have to wait long.

 Imperial War Museums, Getarcive

33. He Was The Man For The Job

Seeing an opportunity to upset the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East, British intelligence knew they had to make contact with the Arab tribal chieftains leading the revolt and provide them with military aid. They needed an emissary with vast knowledge of Arabian culture and geography. There was one name at the top of the list.

 Either Lowell Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

34. He Landed In Jeddah

Lawrence travelled to the port of Jeddah, Arabia and met the British consul there. He also met with Prince Abdulla, a possible candidate to help lead the revolt. Though Lawrence was impressed by Abdulla, he was more interested in talking with Abdulla’s mysterious brother, Prince Faisal, who was camped with his fighters 100 miles further inland. Lawrence readied himself for an overland Arabian trek.

 Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

35. He Wore The Keffiyeh

Years of getting scorched in the desert heat had taught Lawrence the wisdom of wearing the Arab headdress called the keffiyeh. Just as importantly, Lawrence knew that the local Arab population would be friendlier toward him if they saw him wearing the garment. But Lawrence was due for a rough ride.

 Lowell Thomas, Getarcive

36. He Got Over The Hump

Lawrence had little experience riding horses, which made learning to ride a camel even harder. The fact that he’d been relatively physically inactive for the previous two years didn’t help matters. But he forgot the hardships of the hundred-mile trek when he and his two guides arrived at Prince Faisal’s camp.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

37. He Made A Fateful Choice

Lawrence was immediately impressed with Faisal Hussein, whose commanding personal presence earned the absolute loyalty of his men. Lawrence was sure that Faisal could effectively lead a revolt against the Turks. Wary of outsiders, Faisal appreciated Lawrence’s understanding of the intricate culture of the Bedouins (desert nomads). With the meeting completed, Lawrence headed back to consult with his superiors. But he took an unusual detour.

 Bundesarchiv, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

38. He Took The Long Way Home

Instead of heading back to the coast the way he had come, Lawrence set up a meeting with the Royal Navy at a port a hundred miles farther away. Though exhausted and in great discomfort, Lawrence wanted to see as much of the countryside as he could. Confident that his mission had been successful, even he was surprised by what greeted him when he arrived back in Cairo.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

39. He Was Promoted

Lawrence dazzled his superiors with his account of the details of his mission. They were delighted to hear that the Arabs wouldn’t require a big European army to help them out. All they needed, Lawrence insisted, were a few Arabic-speaking technical advisers, a few aircraft, and a good supply of explosives. Lawrence was promoted to permanent military liaison to Prince Faisal. But there was one complication.

 Imperial War Museums, Getarchive

40. He Sized Up The Situation

Lawrence knew that the British had planned, with France, to divvy up the lands of the Ottoman Empire after the war was over. Lawrence was advised to keep the Arabs occupied in Arabia, and out of the regions further north in Lebanon and Syria. Troubled by this new information, he went to link back up with Faisal. Fortunately, he had a lot of help this time.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

41. He Learned Explosives

Upon Lawrence’s arrival back in Arabia, he received a crash course in explosives. Lawrence took to the subject with great enthusiasm, and quickly became comfortable handling all manner of cords, detonators, dynamite sticks, the works. But behind it all, there was a deeper strategy.

 Library of Congress, Picryl

42. He Saw The Weakness

Lawrence knew that the Middle East was a region centered around cities for thousands of years, and that if rail communications between the cities could be cut, the Arabs would severely weaken the Turkish forces. Prince Faisal agreed with Lawrence’s strategy of widespread rail sabotage. He would soon get to see firsthand the results of the strategy.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

43. He Blew Up His First Train

Lawrence set the mines on the track leading to Medina that blew up a long section of rail, and destroyed a locomotive. The strike closed the track for several days. As he reveled in the success, Lawrence celebrated the sabotage with boyish delight. Reporting back to Faisal’s desert camp, he met a fearsome character.

 Albert Bridge, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

44. He Met A Desert Warrior

While conferring with Prince Faisal on the rail sabotage, Lawrence got the chance to meet Auda Abu Tayi, leader of the Howeitat tribe. This warlord had spent most of his life in tribal desert warfare, and was eager to attack the Turks. Lawrence was delighted to learn that Auda believed in many of the same strategies as himself. They agreed to join forces. 

But Lawrence was about to learn a harsh lesson of the desert.

 Matson Collection, Wikimedia Commons

45. He Crossed A Line

While returning to camp with a small raiding party, a dispute broke out between members of different clans and one of the tribesmen was fatally shot. The victim’s friends demanded that Lawrence take action to settle the dispute. As blood feuds were still a way of life in tribal culture, Lawrence executed the accused man. Though Lawrence was forever changed by the incident, events were moving too fast for him to stop and think about it now.

 Ahmed Ozair, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

46. He Was At The Edge Of Endurance

To carry out their plans, Lawrence and Auda had to trek through some of the most barren terrain in Arabia, meeting and joining forces with other Arab tribes along the way. Lawrence was at the limits of his endurance in the extreme conditions. But he was not about to leave anyone in his group behind.

 Library of Congress, Wikimedia Commons

47. He Went Back For Him

Still a day’s journey away from the nearest oasis, Lawrence noticed that one of the camels was riderless. The missing man was unpopular with the group, but while most said good riddance to him, Lawrence rode his camel back for an hour and a half before finally rescuing the lost man. Though Auda and the other Arabs looked at Lawrence like he was crazy, it was clear that he had gained their respect by his action. 

But the real endurance test was about to begin.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

48. He Went Further North

Lawrence now embarked on a 400-mile solo trek north through Syria. He wanted to draw the Turks’ attention away from Auda’s group and gauge the chances that the Syrian tribes would join the Arab revolt. With a Turkish bounty on his head, Lawrence had some narrow escapes along the way. Reuniting with Auda’s men, they both knew they must act soon.

 Halladjian J H, Wikimedia Commons

49. He Joined The Charge

Moving through the rugged terrain toward the Red Sea port of Aqaba, it was clear their strategy had worked. During a skirmish on July 6, 1917, Auda ordered a camel charge. Lawrence urged his camel forward but on reaching the Turkish lines, the animal fell out from under him. It turned out that Lawrence had accidentally fired into the back of his camel’s head. Despite the mishap, Aqaba had been taken. But Lawrence’s biggest challenge still awaited.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

50. He Was Captured

Scouting in the area around Deraa in November 1917, Lawrence was captured by the Turks. The local bey (chieftain) and the prison guards had a field day, torturing Lawrence and even sexually assaulting him. He was in captivity for several days, after which the bey inexplicably let him go. Though the story ends there, the speculation about the truth of the incident continues to this day.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

51. His Story Has Been Questioned

The torture at the hands of the bey and his guards is one of the most controversial incidents of Lawrence’s life. Some historians insist that the lack of its mention in Lawrence’s diary means that the incident was at least partly made up. Others can’t see any reason why Lawrence would have fabricated the event, which he described at great length. We’ll never know for sure. But once Lawrence was safely back at his desert encampment, there was no stopping him.

 Halladjian J H, Wikimedia Commons

52. He Saw That Word Had Got Out

It was in February 1918 in Jerusalem that Lawrence first met journalist and filmmaker Lowell Thomas. Thomas filmed the ongoing campaign, including much footage of Lawrence in action. The sight of Lawrence in his full Arab garb and headdress was a sensation in the United States, and as a result of Thomas’s relentless promotion, Lawrence became an international celebrity. But even as he rocketed to fame, he received devastating news.

 Lowell Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

53. He Lost A Friend

As Lawrence and the Arabs drove north into Syria, he got word that Dahoum, his dear friend from the prewar archaeological dig, had passed in a famine. Knowing they would never see each other again drove Lawrence’s determination—and a righteous fury that would not take much to ignite.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

54. He Was Enraged At What He Saw

After witnessing the retreating Turks killing all the women and children of a Syrian town, Lawrence gave the order to his men to pursue the fleeing Turkish army and take no prisoners in the process. This was the only time in his career that Lawrence gave such a draconian order, which was not out of keeping with the tribal blood feuds common in the region. Fortunately, the war was drawing to a close.

 Lowell Thomas, Wikimedia Commons

55. He Reached Damascus

As opposing forces evacuated Damascus, the Arabs and Lawrence, along with the British army under General Allenby, entered the revered Arab city. As Lawrence walked the streets, welcomed by cheering crowds, he enjoyed the proudest moment of his life. But the exhilarating sense of accomplishment would be short-lived.

 Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons

56. He Saw Disputes Escalate

Lawrence had been aware of the clashes for leadership among the Arab tribal leaders, but even he was surprised upon entering the Damascus town hall. There, he witnessed Faisal and the other various chieftains in heated arguments over how to organize the Middle East of the future. But there was even worse news to come.

 Matson Photo Service, Picryl

57. His Work Was Undone

The Paris Treaty divided the former Ottoman territories into British and French colonies. Prince Faisal Hussein (now King Faisal) and his Arab warriors had overthrown one empire, only to have it replaced by another. Lawrence tried swaying his government to grant Arab independence, without success. With the adventure finished, Lawrence carried a terrible guilt—not just because of the British government's betrayal, but also his own. 

According to historians, it's likely that Lawrence knew the Arabs would never gain their independence as early as two years before the signing of the Paris Treaty. He kept quiet about this fact, giving Faisal and the others the false hope that they could be free of imperial powers.

 G. Eric and Edith Matson, Wikimedia Commons

58. He Stood On Principle

Still brooding over what he felt was a betrayal of his Arab friends, Lawrence got the news that King George V was offering him a knighthood for his service. Explaining that he could not serve two kings at the same time (George V and Faisal), Lawrence turned down the honor. Under these cloudy circumstances, he ventured back into civilian life.

 Bassano Ltd, Wikimedia Commons

59. He Turned Away From His Fame

With the war over, Lawrence found work as an adviser to Winston Churchill. However, the transition from riding a camel to riding a desk wasn’t going well, and he longed to escape back into anonymity. Weary of the constant public attention, Lawrence joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) under the pseudonym John Hume Ross. Ironically, he used his fame to persuade the chief of the RAF to pull the strings for him to enlist under the false name. 

But it wasn’t long before the press learned of the ruse. Lawrence was soon discharged and looking for another avenue of escape.

 British Army, Wikimedia Commons

60. He Wrote His Masterpiece

Lawrence had been working on his memoirs for years. He’d made several revisions and been compelled to do almost a complete rewrite after he left the manuscript on a train. It had been a haphazard writing process, but at last he had something he could publish. Revolt in the Desert was an instant success upon its release in 1926, and would later be updated and renamed Seven Pillars of Wisdom. But the book’s success went far beyond sales figures.

 Cocoablini, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

61. He Found Community With Other Writers

Lawrence’s work had gained favorable reviews from many of the most respected writers and critics of the time. Lawrence also found solace in one of the passions of his youth: the classics. His translation of Homer’s Odyssey from Greek into English was published in 1932, and is still well-regarded today. But though he loved literary pursuits, nothing could quell his restless spirit of adventure.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

62. He Found His Way Overseas Again

After pestering the RAF to readmit him, Lawrence was finally allowed back into the service as an aircraft technician, this time under the name TE Shaw. With his name again on the front pages, Lawrence took a posting to India, where he remained for two years. But even there he couldn’t get away from prying eyes.

 Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

63. They Thought He Was A Spy

Soon after his arrival in India, the British press began running wild stories about Lawrence’s supposed spy activities in the country. The Indian government hadn’t known that Lawrence was even in the country. With India’s Muslim population viewing Lawrence as an unwelcome imperialist, the RAF recalled Lawrence to England in 1928. Lawrence would have to find his freedom elsewhere.

 Imperial War Museums, Wikimedia Commons

64. He Enjoyed The Freedom Of The Open Road

Lawrence bought himself a motorcycle during his first RAF stint. The bike was a used Triumph, but he quickly upgraded to a more powerful Brough. Cruising the largely still-unpaved roads of England, Lawrence enjoyed riding down to London to visit with friends, including King Faisal when he was in town. Lawrence wasn’t one to fret about the risks of motorcycles; all he felt while he was on the bike was a sense of freedom and escape.

 Wikimedia Commons, Picryl

65. He Couldn’t Avoid Them

One Speeding along a country road not far from his home in Dorset, Lawrence swerved to avoid two boys who were in the road. Lawrence was thrown over the handlebars; as helmets were still far in the future, he suffered severe head injuries. Sadly, those injuries would signal the end for the writer. Lawrence clung to life for six days before passing on May 19, 1935. The living enigma had passed into mythology.

 Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons

66. He Still Fascinates Us

TE Lawrence is one of the most studied and written about figures in history. Though he had no formal army training, he is today considered a genius of strategy. His command of complex subjects like archaeology, foreign languages, and Middle Eastern culture only deepens his legacy.

While researchers have combed through his private life and psychology to learn what made Lawrence tick, perhaps one of the best clues is in the dedication in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom:

“To S A. I loved you, so I drew these tides of men into my hands and wrote my will across the sky in stars to earn you Freedom, that seven-pillared worthy house, that your eyes might be shining for me when we came..."

There seems little doubt that “S A” refers to Lawrence’s old friend, Selim Ahmed, AKA Dahoum.

 Alex McGregor, Wikimedia Commons