Ancient Egypt. Love between the commander Radamès and the Ethiopian slave (actually a princess) Aida is threatened by the war between their respective peoples and the jealousy of Amneris, the pharaoh’s daughter. When Aida's father, King Amonasro, is captured, the situation takes a turn. As preparations are made for the wedding between Radamès and Amneris, Amonasro manipulates his daughter and convinces her to deceive her beloved. Shaken by the events, Aida yields to blackmail, setting off a chain of events that engulfs everyone.