Colonel Jack O'Neill is brought out of retirement to lead a new expedition back to Abydos, only to find an old friend, a new enemy and a far wider use of the Stargate.

Riding in the elevator in the SGC, O'Neill is visited by Daniel Jackson who needs his help. Daniel tells him that Anubis is headed for Abydos to search for something called the Eye of Ra, a relic that would make Anubis all-powerful. It's essential that SG-1 go to Abydos and secure the Eye but no has seen it - including Daniel - nor has anyone ever been able to find it. On the planet they see their old friend Skaara and with Daniel's help locate the Eye. They also find a tablet that speaks of a lost city of the ancients. When Anubis and his troops land in force there is little anyone can do to stop them. In the end it's left to Daniel to decide if he will try to stop Anubis - thereby breaking a cardinal rule of the Ancients.