Ravenwood was determined to uncover Tanis' true location in the 1920s when he discovered the Headpiece to the Staff of Ra, but funding ran out before he could begin. In the mid-1930s, the Nazis discovered Tanis and began a major excavation of the site, hoping to find the Ark of the Covenant.

MAJOR EATON: What do you mean, the commandments? You're talking about the Ten Commandments?
JONES: Yes, the actual Ten Commandments. The original stone tablets Moses brought down from Mount Horeb and smashed, if you believe in that sort of thing. Didn't either of you guys ever go to Sunday school?

The Well of Souls was built to hold the Ark after it was taken to Tanis by Pharaoh Shishak around the year 980 BC.

MAJOR EATON: I'm beginning to understand Hitler's interest in this.
BRODY: Oh yes. The Bible speaks of the Ark leveling mountains and laying waste to entire regions. An army which carries the Ark before it ... is invincible.

He travels to Nepal to discover that Ravenwood has died and the headpiece is in the possession of Ravenwood's daughter Marion.

As the whole bar watches on, wagering on a winner, Marion absolutely destroys a customer in a friendly drinking contest.

After ten years, she doesn't extend her former lover a warm welcome. In fact, she punches him in the face.

MARION: Come back tomorrow.
INDY: Why?
MARION: Because I said so, that's why.

INDY: It's a worthless bronze medallion, Marion. You gonna give it to me?
MARION: Maybe. I don't know where it is.
INDY: Well, maybe you could find it. 3,000 bucks.
MARION: Well, that will get me back, but not in style.
INDY: I can get you another two when we get to the States.

Toht threatens to torture Marion with a hot iron, but Indiana Jones intervenes, disarming Toht with his bullwhip.