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The Channel 4 documentary, Quest for the Lost City, described the epic quest for a lost city of the Maya, an ancient civilisation that thrived in Central America before being conquered by Europeans in the early 16th century. Archaeologists have called the lost city 'Site Q' from the Spanish word 'qué?', which means 'which?' They have been searching for it in remote Guatemalan jungles since the 1970s. In Quest for the Lost City, archaeologist Dr Neil Brodie, Maya expert Simone Clifford-Jaeger and jungle guide Bernie Mittelstaedt braved rains, mosquitoes and snakes to find the scientific evidence that they hope will finally solve the mystery. The film also raised the issue of the wholesale looting of ancient treasures. The lust of private art collectors in the rich countries of the West to possess ancient Maya art has led to the despoliation of ancient ruins and the irretrievable loss of vital archaeological evidence from this lost civilisation. This website provides a synopsis of the programme, information on the Maya, a brief account of treasure looting in Central America, a selection of other 'lost' cities and the means by which viewers can take their interest further, including travelling to Guatemala. |
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