Ardeth Bay is the leader of a group of tribesmen called the Medjai. The Medjai are Tuarag warriors that are the direct descendants of the Pharoah's sacred bodyguard and they keep watch over the desert or more specifically, Hamanuptra, the City of the Dead.

3000 years ago, Imhotep, the High Priest to Seti I, suffered the 'Hom-Dai' which meant he was cursed and buried alive in Hamanptra. He was given this terrible death because he was in love with, Anck-su-namun, the Pharoah's mistress. When Seti found out, both Imhotep and Anck-su-namun stabbed him to death.

As Imhotep had promised to bring her back from the dead, Anck-su-namun took the full responsibility of Seti's murder then killed herself.

In Hamanuptra, just as Imhotep was about to perform the ceremony on Anck-su-namun's stolen, mummified body, the Medjai arrived and stopped him.

Since then, the Medjai have sworn to stop anyone by any means how, including killing them, from disturbing Imhotep's resting place for fear of him being revived using the mythical Book of the Dead that can restore life and is also buried in the City of the Dead.

Behind their long black robes, headress and veil, the Medjai are recognisable from the dark blue markings on their cheeks, forehead and hands that are tattooed on when they are sworn to duty at adulthood. These show that they are protector's of the City of the Dead and that they are warrior's.

The Medjai carry two scimitar's, which is their preferred choice of weapon, and a further sword strapped across their back, but they are equally proficient with many types of gun. They live in desert and are fearsome fighters that have pledged to fight evil 'until death' - and they do.

Ardeth is totally committed to his people and they, in turn, follow all of his orders without question. His best friend was a falcon called, Horus, who met an untimely end during the second resurrection of Imhotep. Apart from Arabic, Ardeth is fluent in the English language - he doesn't mince his words however and makes his intention clearly as quick and as coldly as possible…not a man to cross.

Naturally, it's his vocation that makes him less than friendly towards people, especially those who visit Hamanuptra. Although good friends now, when he first met Rick O'Connell, he tried to kill him.

So, basically, Ardeth Bay is rude, unfriendly and turns into a cold-blooded killer when the need arises…he's a loner with the weight of his duties laying so heavy on his shoulders that they apparently keep him from forming friendships unless they're earned as in the cases of Rick, Evelyn and Jonathan who defeated Imhotep and therefore won the respect and eternal friendship of both Ardeth and his people.

So, what's the appeal?

Well, life certainly wouldn't be dull, eh? And I'm sorry, but have you taken a look at this guy? OK, I know that's pretty shallow but, really, did you take a good look? He's practically everything most red-bloodied females fantasise about whether they're having an afternoon nap or settling into bed for the night!

Tall, dark-haired, handsome, mysterious, aloof, rugged, fit, indifferent, dedicated to his job…imagine trying to win the heart of this man - hell, just try and get one smile!

And at the end of the day, it's also got alot to do with the ole 'Desert Sheik' syndrome…a haughty, dark-haired man in the middle of the desert carrying you away across the sands on his proud black stallion, taking you to his palace and ravish…ahem…excuse me…got a bit carried away there…still, have a look at the picture below…just a little something to remember in those wonderful dreams…