The Lost City of the Monkey God

In 2012, Douglas Preston joined a team of scientists to locate Ciudad Blanca, a legendary civilization hidden within the Honduran rainforest. Using lidar technology to peer through the thick canopy, the expedition identified man-made ruins in a valley known as T1. Preston chronicles the logistical hurdles of the trek, the discovery of a cache of stone sculptures, and the subsequent medical crisis when the team contracted leishmaniasis, a flesh-eating parasite. The narrative details the history of the region and the ecological threats facing the Mosquitia jungle today.

Readers who enjoy archaeological mysteries and accounts of scientific exploration will find a detailed look at how modern technology identifies ancient settlements. Those interested in tropical medicine and history read this to understand the impact of Old World diseases on indigenous populations. The book provides an objective look at the dangers of field research and the ethical complexities of disturbing historical sites. You walk away with a clear understanding of remote sensing and the long-term effects of parasitic infections on the human body.