Tanis
The lost city where buried gods meet earthly greed in a race against time.
Tanis is the Egyptian site where Nazi German forces are excavating for the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark, and where the Ark lies in the Well of Souls. While historically a real ancient capital of Egypt, within the saga's narrative, it serves as the hidden destination where Nazi forces attempt to unearth an artifact capable of making an army invincible. The Ark's exact place can be found only with the medallion of the staff of Ra and a staff of the correct length.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Egyptian Desert
Lore & Background
The Nazis, assisted by the French archaeologist René Belloq, dig at Tanis with an incomplete replica of the medallion made from the image burned into Toht's hand, and so dig in the wrong place: the reverse side, which they lack, corrects the measurements for the staff of Ra. Jones and Sallah realize the error, infiltrate the dig and locate the Well of Souls, where they recover the Ark, a golden, intricately decorated chest. Belloq and the Nazis seize it and seal Jones and Marion in the well, but the two escape, and Jones captures the truck carrying the Ark.
Reader's Guide
The Tanis dig site was filmed in the Sahara near the Tozeur oasis in Tunisia, which stood in for Egypt, and Spielberg had a miniature of the dig built to plan the layout and lighting. The Well of Souls needed 6,000 to 10,000 snakes.
Origins and Production
Initially collaborating with Philip Kaufman, who suggested the Ark of the Covenant as the central MacGuffin, the project was temporarily shelved while Lucas focused on Star Wars. Development reignited in 1977 when Lucas pitched the concept to Steven Spielberg, who quickly joined the endeavor. While both directors envisioned spectacular set pieces and stunts, they enlisted Lawrence Kasdan to weave a cohesive narrative connecting their ideas. The production was a global affair, utilizing soundstages at Elstree Studios in England while capturing authentic on-location footage across La Rochelle, France, Tunisia, and Hawaii to bring the 1936 adventure to life.
Plot Dynamics and Key Characters
Set against the backdrop of 1936, the narrative follows archaeologist Indiana Jones as he races against Nazi forces intent on securing the Ark of the Covenant for its alleged power to make armies invincible. After recovering a Golden Idol in Peru, Jones is recruited by Army Intelligence to intercept his rival, René Belloq, who is guiding the Nazis. The journey leads him to Nepal, where he reunites with Marion Ravenwood, a former lover holding a crucial medallion linked to the Ark's location. Their alliance faces immediate peril from Gestapo agent Arnold Toht and culminates in a daring escape from a burning bar. In Cairo, aided by friend Sallah, Jones deciphers clues hidden within the medallion, realizing the Nazis are digging at the wrong site. This allows him to locate the Well of Souls and recover the Ark, though Belloq and the Nazis then seize it.
Box Office Triumph and Critical Reception
Despite pre-release polling indicating low audience interest compared to contemporaries like Superman II, the film defied expectations upon its June 1981 debut. Critics lauded the movie for its masterful blend of humor, intricate action sequences, and memorable set pieces. This commercial and artistic success was formally recognized with numerous accolades, including five Academy Awards, seven Saturn Awards, and a BAFTA.
Enduring Legacy and Franchise Expansion
Widely regarded by critics as one of the greatest films ever made, this movie has exerted a profound influence on popular culture, inspiring countless imitators across various media and motivating generations of filmmakers. Its historical significance was cemented in 1999 when the United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry. Beyond its standalone success, the film established the Indiana Jones franchise, launching four subsequent theatrical entries ranging from Temple of Doom to Dial of Destiny. The brand expanded far beyond cinema, encompassing a television series, video games, comic books, novels, theme park attractions, and an extensive line of toys, ensuring that the legacy of this 1981 adventure remains vibrant decades after its initial release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Nazis searching for Tanis?
The Nazis seek the Ark, which Adolf Hitler believes will render their army invincible. They race against Indiana Jones to locate the entrance before he retrieves the sacred object.
How does the story conclude at this site?
From Tanis the Nazis take the Ark to an island in the Aegean Sea, where its opening kills them.
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