An opera by VERDI (libretto by Ghislanzoni from the French of Camille du Locle) generally considered his masterpiece ( 1871). The scene is laid in Egypt in the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian general Rhadames is in love with Aïda, a slave who is in reality the daughter of Amonasro, ruler of Ethiopia. She returns his passion, but he is also beloved by Amneris, daughter of the king of Egypt, whose hand is formally bestowed upon him by his sovereign.
The exigencies of the war between Egypt and Ethiopia make King Amonasro a captive of the victorious Rhadames, but his true rank is not known. Urged by her father's fiery words, Aïda endeavors to persuade Rhadames to flee with them and give his support to Ethiopia. Rhadames holds back but involuntarily betrays the place of attack planned for the morrow Amneris and the chief priest interrupt the scene; Amonasro and Aïda flee and Rhadames, who gives himself up, is condemned to be buried alive for treason. While the remorseful Amneris prays in the temple above, Aïda joins him and perishes with him in the crypt.
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