After decades of searching the Valley of the Kings, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his newly appointed Egyptian assistant Shafiq Tadros uncover a step leading to the tomb of Tutankhamun. Funder Lord Carnarvon and his daughter Lady Evelyn arrive and an unauthorised inspection of the tomb takes place. Decades later a chance meeting on the streets of Paris with an Egyptian student causes Shafiq to excavate his own story.

Following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, pressure builds for lead archaeologist Howard Carter and his assistant Shafiq Tadros. Chief funder Lord Carnarvon’s deal with The Times of London for exclusive media coverage causes resentment among other news organisations in Egypt and beyond.

The British team controlling the excavation come under increasing pressure from the Department of Antiquities. When Carnarvon contracts a mysterious illness, rumours of a curse abound.

In November 1922 the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb became the biggest news story in the world. Virtually untouched for over three thousand years, the tomb contained priceless artefacts including a solid gold coffin, thrones, archery bows, trumpets and fresh linen underwear. Egypt, newly liberated from British rule, hailed the discovery of Tutankhamun as a symbol of its glorious rebirth as an independent nation. But who should control the terms of the dig, and who should keep the treasure?