In 1928, an archaeological dig in Giza, Egypt, uncovers a mysterious artifact: a giant ring made of an unknown metal. Years later, the artifact is transferred to a facility in the United States for study. Dr. Daniel Jackson, a linguist and Egyptologist, is invited to decipher the hieroglyphs on the ring. He discovers that the inscriptions are not of this world and suggests that the ring is actually a "Stargate," a device that creates a wormhole allowing instantaneous travel to a distant planet.

A military team, led by Colonel Jack O'Neil, is assembled to pass through the Stargate and explore what lies on the other side. Accompanied by Dr. Jackson, they step through the portal and find themselves on a world that closely resembles ancient Egypt, complete with pyramids and ruling gods. The team quickly learns that the inhabitants are under the control of a powerful being who poses a threat not only to them but also to Earth. As they look for a way back home, they must navigate the complexities of this alien society and uncover the secrets of the Stargate.