Set in 1881, a year before the start of History of modern Egypt#British administration, it is based on the true story of the Abd el-Rasuls, an Sa'idi people clan that had been robbing a Treasure trove of mummies they have discovered at tomb DB320 near the village of Kurna, and selling the artefacts on the illicit antiquities. After a conflict within the clan, one of its members goes to the police, helping the Antiquities Service find the cache.