The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story

Think of another legend that may be based on reality. Describe the legend, and make an argument for how it may have originated and what factual truths may underlie it.

Describe how Preston uses the theme of danger throughout the book. How does this theme evolve as the book progresses, and why?

In Chapter 26 Preston describes the dramatic changes to the T1 site’s natural setting after their original expedition. Do you think the team’s discoveries and research were worth this cost? Why or why not?

The lidar survey and T1 expedition sparked substantial controversy, in which some scholars and activists called the research racist, colonialist, ethnocentric, and guilty of cooperating with corrupt regimes. Are these criticisms valid? Why or why not?

Do you think the ancient Mosquitia culture can be called a civilization? Why or why not? Use historical and archaeological evidence from the book to make your argument.

Imagine that 90% of the people you know were wiped out by a worldwide pandemic. What effects would this pandemic have on society and on your life? Would society be able to recover?

Preston argues that disease and pandemic are the greatest threats to modern civilization. Do you agree, or are there other, more pressing threats? Can you think of any historical examples that illustrate this?

What are some major threats to the natural environment and to archaeological sites? How are these threats connected, and what can be done to prevent them?