The movie opens and Mathius is a mercenary again, there's no reference to the events of the last movie but there is a reference to the first movie.
This movie could take place before three or after (I have to admit that there's part of me that enjoys the idea that the chronology goes 2,1,4,3)
I do kinda like the idea that we are getting legends of The Scorpion King each one is a standalone story with the Queens he has met and wooed. Each adventure begins as a blank slate and Mathius is alone fighting as a mercenary, fighting for a kingdom and winning over a queen only to start over in the next movie. Chronology doesn't rellay matter. Heck if he is immortal (as hinted in 2) then it may be a longer period between movie and he queen has died of old age.
Mathius has been training an apprentice Drazen who in a scene that gives a nod to Raiders of the Lost Ark betrays Mathius. and the ending references Last Crusade
Given Indy's influence on the Mummy movies that should come as no surprize.
There's a big speil that magic isn't real it's all just science except that there is true magic in the finale (and magic is real in the other movies in both this series and The Mummy movies)
It's an enjoyable movie with The Scorpion King fighting his old protege who has framed him for the kiiling of the king and the hunt for a legendary King's crown.
It's a fun romp that's enjoyable as long as you don't take it too serious.
