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Percy Fawcett

Percy Harrison Fawcett was a British geographer, artillery officer, surveyor/cartographer, archaeologist, and explorer best known for his expeditions in South America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Percy Harrison Fawcett was a British geographer, artillery officer, surveyor, cartographer, archaeologist, and explorer best known for his expeditions in South America. He disappeared in 1925 in the Brazilian Amazon while searching for a lost ancient city he called “Z”. Fawcett’s life and disappearance later became the subject of books, films, and historical speculation.

Early life and career

Fawcett was born in Torquay, Devon, England, in 1867. He served as an artillery officer and later worked as a surveyor and explorer. His early professional experience brought him into contact with geographic and archaeological work in South America.

Amazon expeditions

Between 1906 and 1924, Fawcett led several expeditions into the Amazon Basin, mapping remote regions and reporting on difficult travel conditions. These journeys established his reputation as one of Britain’s best-known explorers of the region.

Search for the lost city of “Z”

Fawcett believed an advanced ancient city existed in the Amazon and called it “Z”. His theory was influenced by reports, historical sources, and his own interpretation of archaeological evidence.

Disappearance

In 1925, Fawcett, his son Jack, and Raleigh Rimmell entered the Brazilian jungle and were never seen again. Their disappearance became one of the best-known mysteries in exploration history.

Key facts

  • Percy Fawcett was a British explorer known for multiple Amazon expeditions.
  • He disappeared in 1925 while searching for a lost city he called “Z”.
  • His final expedition included his son Jack and Jack’s friend Raleigh Rimmell.
  • Fawcett’s fate remains a mystery and a subject of popular interest.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Percy Fawcett?
He was a British explorer, surveyor, cartographer, archaeologist, and military officer best known for his Amazon expeditions and his search for a lost city called “Z”.
When did Percy Fawcett disappear?
He disappeared on 29 May 1925 during an expedition in the Brazilian Amazon.
What was “Z”?
“Z” was Fawcett’s name for an ancient lost city he believed existed in the Amazon rainforest.
Who was with Fawcett on his final expedition?
His son Jack Fawcett and Jack’s friend Raleigh Rimmell accompanied him.
Was Percy Fawcett ever found?
No. He and the members of his final expedition were never definitively found.
Why is Percy Fawcett historically notable?
He is remembered for his Amazon mapping expeditions and for becoming a lasting figure in the history of exploration and disappearance mysteries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Fawcett
    Supports: Birth name, birth and disappearance dates, occupations, South American expeditions, final expedition companions, and search for the lost city of Z.
  2. BBC Devon — https://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2007/07/13/famous_percy_harrison_fawcett_feature.shtml
    Supports: Birth in Torquay, Devon; disappearance in South America; and association with the hidden city known as Z.
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/percy-fawcett-search-lost-city-of-z
    Supports: Amazon expeditions, dates of expeditions, and Fawcett's search for a lost civilization.
  4. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/explorer-percy-fawcett-disappears-in-the-amazon
    Supports: Fawcett's reputation as an explorer, mapping expeditions, inspiration for fictional adventure figures, and disappearance in the Amazon.