Archaeological Sites

Belize has an exceptional inheritance which goes  from  Maya Temples to  Mansions. It is known that the Maya occupation started in 1500 a.C. and reached its apex around 800 d.C.
During the classical period (250 -900 d.C), the population of Belize was well over  1 million people and for this reason it is  considered that the Country at that time was the heart of Maya civilization.
However, around 950 d.C the population began to diminish by almost   95%  with the decline slowed around 900 d.C. although some Maya culture centres were populated until the arrival of the Spanish in 1500. The decline of the Maya still represents a grand mystery.
It is not yet known why they ceased to construct their splendid city and to what destination they went.
The majestic temples contain some clue but the archaeologists can still not explain whether their civilization vanished because of a drought, of wars or of political instability.
Perhaps these were just simple symptons. The present theory indicates an initial scarcity of water and food, which combined with a natural lack of water and deforestation made by the Maya.
Some proofs demonstrate that the deforestation coincided with malnutrition and a decrease of the population.
The Maya began to construct imposing cities and religious centres more than 2000 years ago.
They observed the movements of the sun, of the moon and the planets. They invented a complex calendar, with cycles relevant to agriculture, to religion and politics.
They invented the “zero” which made grand discoveries possible in Mathematics and Science.
Moreover, the Maya waged wars and performed human sacrifices.
In the 60-70 years, excavation near Altun Ha, Lamanai and Xunantunich revealed the inpressiveness of Belize wealth.
Although the grand Maya Cultural Centres no longer exist, there is still a significant Maya population which resides in many small villages.
Belize Department of Archaeology is engaged in the discovery of areas easily accessible to tourists who are interested to the archaeological sites.