Top 10 Documentaries on Lost Cities

Description: Follow the modern-day expedition to find the legendary "White City" or "City of the Monkey God" in Honduras, believed to be a lost city of the pre-Columbian era.

Fact: The expedition was led by filmmaker Steve Elkins, who used LiDAR technology to locate the site. The documentary includes the challenges faced by the team, including dealing with dangerous wildlife.

Description: Although not strictly a documentary, this film is based on the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared while searching for a lost ancient city in the Amazon. It provides a narrative-driven exploration of the quest for lost civilizations.

Fact: The film was inspired by David Grann's book of the same name, which documents Fawcett's expeditions. The real-life mystery of Fawcett's disappearance adds to the allure of the story.

Description: This documentary explores the legendary city of El Dorado, believed to be a place of immense wealth. It follows explorers as they search for clues in the dense jungles of South America, revealing the myths and realities behind this lost city.

Fact: The film was shot in collaboration with indigenous communities who have oral traditions about El Dorado. It also features interviews with historians and archaeologists.

Description: This documentary delves into the history and rediscovery of Angkor Wat, once the largest pre-industrial city in the world. It explores the architectural marvels and the reasons behind the city's abandonment.

Fact: The film features exclusive access to areas of Angkor Wat not usually open to the public. It also discusses the ongoing efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Description: Journey to the ancient city of Petra, hidden in the cliffs of Jordan. This documentary uncovers the Nabataean civilization and their incredible rock-cut architecture, explaining why Petra was lost to the world for centuries.

Fact: Petra was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhart in

Description: This film focuses on Machu Picchu, exploring its history, the theories behind its abandonment, and the modern-day efforts to understand and preserve this iconic site of the Inca Empire.

Fact: The documentary was filmed during the centennial celebration of Machu Picchu's rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in

Description: Delve into the myth of Atlantis, exploring various theories about its location and the reasons for its supposed disappearance. This documentary combines historical research with speculative science.

Fact: The film features interviews with experts in archaeology, geology, and oceanography, discussing the plausibility of Atlantis's existence.

Description: Explore the ancient Mayan city of Copán, known for its intricate carvings and hieroglyphs. This documentary uncovers the city's rise, its cultural significance, and its mysterious decline.

Fact: Copán is one of the most studied Mayan sites, and the film includes insights from ongoing archaeological digs.

Description: This documentary explores the lost city of Akhetaten, built by the Pharaoh Akhenaten as a new capital for Egypt, which was abandoned after his death. It discusses the city's brief existence and its rediscovery.

Fact: Akhetaten, now known as Amarna, was a radical departure from traditional Egyptian city planning, reflecting Akhenaten's religious reforms.

Description: Journey to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, where this documentary uncovers the secrets of the tombs and the lost city of the dead, revealing the burial practices and the lives of the pharaohs.

Fact: The film includes exclusive access to newly discovered tombs and discusses the ongoing archaeological work in the area.