Egypt, 1895: An archaeological expedition, led by Stephen Banning (Felix Aylmer) and his son John (Peter Cushing) discover the 4000-year-old tomb of Princess Ananka. Ignoring warnings from a mysterious Egyptian that "He who robs the graves of Egypt dies" they enter the tomb. Whilst alone in the tomb, Stephen Banning finds and reads the ancient 'Scroll of Life' and suddenly suffers a breakdown.