The modern history of Arabia is often broken into three periods that follow the fortunes of the Al Saud.

The first begins with the alliance between Muhammad ibn Saud and Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab and ends with the capture of Abd Allah.

The second period extends from this point to the rise of the second Abd al Aziz ibn Saud, the founder of the modern state; the third consists of the establishment and present history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In the Egyptians' attempt to establish control over the peninsula, Muhammad Ali removes members of the Al Saud from the area.

Following orders from the Ottoman sultan, he sends Abdullah to Istanbul—where he is publicly beheaded—and forces other members of the family to leave the country.

A few prominent members of the Al Saud find their way to Egypt.

The Egyptians turn next to the symbol of the Al Saud rule, the city of Ad Diriyah.

They raze its walls and buildings and destroy its palm groves so that the area cannot support any agricultural settlement for some time.