Santa Rita, a Maya archaeological reserve near Corozal Town, Belize, likely corresponds to the ancient Maya city known as Chetumal, according to historical evidence. Excavations reveal a rich history of habitation dating back to 2000-1200 BCE, with its peak significance during the Postclassic era and continued occupation even after the Spanish arrival. Positioned strategically to …
Cerros, an Eastern Lowland Maya archaeological site in northern Belize, thrived from the Late Preclassic to the Postclassic period, reaching its peak during the Mesoamerican Late Preclassic with a population of approximately 1,089 people. Positioned strategically on a peninsula at the mouth of the New River, it served as a vital intermediary link between coastal …
Lamanai, a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site in Belize’s Orange Walk District, derives its name from the Maya term meaning “submerged crocodile.” It boasts a rich history spanning over three millennia, from the Early Preclassic Maya period to the Spanish and British Colonial periods, remaining occupied well into the 17th century AD unlike many other Classic-period …
Altun Ha, the ruins of an ancient Maya city in Belize, lies approximately 50 kilometers north of Belize City and about 10 kilometers west of the Caribbean Sea. Covering an area of about 8 square kilometers, Altun Ha remained unknown to archaeologists until 1963, despite the reuse of its stones in the nearby village of …
Lubaantun, a pre-Columbian ruined city of the Maya civilization in southern Belize, is located about 42 kilometers northwest of Punta Gorda in the Toledo District. Dating from the Maya Classic era, flourishing from the 730s to the 890s AD, Lubaantun features distinctive architecture built primarily of large stone blocks without mortar, primarily black slate rather …
Nim Li Punit is a Maya Classic Period site in Belize’s Toledo District, located 50 kilometers north of Punta Gorda and near the village of Indian Creek. The name, meaning “Big Hat” in Kekchi Maya, refers to a large headdress depicted on a stela sculpture found at the site. Situated in the foothills of the …
Caracol is a large ancient Maya archaeological site located in the Cayo District of Belize, approximately 40 kilometers south of Xunantunich and San Ignacio. Situated on the Vaca Plateau at an elevation of 500 meters, it was one of the most important regional political centers of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period. The site …
Cahal Pech is a Maya site located near San Ignacio in Belize’s Cayo District. It was a palatial hilltop residence for an elite Maya family, with major construction dating back to the Classic period. However, evidence of continuous habitation traces back to 1200 BCE, making it one of the oldest Maya sites in Western Belize. …
Xunantunich (pre classic to post classic occupation) is located in San Jose Succotz village, Cayo atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border – which is 0.6 miles (1 km) to the west. It served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region in the Late and Terminal Classic periods. Xunantunich’s …
