CSU archaeologist Chris Fisher has experienced all of these things – and much more – during his four-plus years of work unravelling the mysteries behind an ancient civilization in Honduras. Working with author Douglas Preston, National Geographic and a support team provided by the Honduran government, Fisher has been heavily involved in the discovery and excavation of one of the most exciting archaeological discoveries in years.

Fisher and his work will be showcased Sunday when veteran reporter Lee Cowan tells the tale behind Preston’s new book, “The Lost City of the Monkey God,” on CBS News Sunday Morning. The report is scheduled to air at 8 a.m. Sunday, January 8th on Denver’s Channel 4.

New book released

Cowan’s report coincides with the release of Preston’s book earlier this week.

Fisher, a professor in CSU’s Department of Anthropology, was interviewed on campus by Cowan in December. They discussed the many artifacts found at the pre-Columbian city – previously thought to be legendary Cuidad Blanco – and the people who occupied its many buildings before abruptly abandoning it.

Fisher also talked about his experience dealing with leishmaniasis, a parasite-borne tropical disease that literally can eat away the flesh of its victims. It took a week of chemotherapy-like treatments at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. to halt the disease’s advances.

Fisher hopes to return to the site at some point – perhaps later this year.

CSU archaeologist returning to Honduran jungle

CSU professors play prominent role in discovery of ancient city