When you come to Belize, one of the most fascinating things to learn about is Mayan culture and history. The Mayans has laid out impressive findings in science, mathematics, and art, but the Spanish conquistadors destroyed much of it. Still, the Mayans recorded portions of their history in stone, which you can see when you visit the ruins that still stand today, surrounded by the jungles.
Mayan History
The Maya people of today are the descendants of nomads who settled in Belize as well as nearby Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. While there is still much debate about their early habitation, the Mayan calendar lists a creation date of August 11, 3114 BC. In Cuello, Belize, traces of their habitation were carbon dated, putting it at around 2600 BC.
From the early Pre-Classic period, there are examples of Mayan art and pottery from 1800 to 900 BC. The Middle Pre-Classic period shows that this civilization continued to grow, and by 800 BC, they controlled the jade and obsidian trade routes. By 600 BC, they were not only producing cacao but also trading it.
About Mayan Civilization
The Mayab people continued to flourish through the Late Pre-Classic period of 300 BC to 300 AD. They expanded their trade routes and began cultivating corn. As their agricultural practices became more complex, they also constructed the large city centers and pyramids that you can explore in Belize today.
As the Mayans were focused on cosmology, they created complex calendars that were full of mathematical calculations. In the ancient world, the were among the most advanced of their time. A prime example of this can be found from 36 BC where they developed the concept of zero. They used this to calculate measurements that were extremely accurate. The solar year by Maya measurement is even more accurate than the Georgian calendar.
Mayan urban centers were also efficient and designed to keep up the advanced agricultural practices. They even had water and food storage systems. Despite being surrounded by the bountiful rainforests that offered edible and medicinal plants, tasty game, and waters rich with fish and seafood, these people created their own crops, fishing ponds, and irrigation systems, all without the aid of modern technology. You can still see this at Caracol, the tallest man-made structure that is standing in Belize today.
What Happened to the Mayan Civilization?
All these great Mayan centers began their decline between 700 and 900 AD. To this date, no one is sure why this happened. Some suggest that overpopulation and the imminent collapse of the ecosystem was the main cause. Others think disease or an environmental disaster caused it.
There are also scholars that believe that foreign invasion, trade collapse, and other external forces were the cause of the undoing of this advanced ancient society. One of the more widely accepted theories though is that a lengthy drought along with exhaustion of both natural and agricultural resources was the most likely cause of decline.
Additionally, the evidence of Spanish conquest shows it was a brutal time. Each Mayan city state was taken over one by one. They fought valiantly to defend it, but by 1697, that was the end of self-rule for the Mayans. Even sadder, the overthrow by the Spaniards destroyed Mayan libraries along with their recorded history. The people had a written language by 200 BC, considered to be one of only3 such writing systems developed independently from the ancient world.
Mayan Culture Today
In our modern world, the Mayan people of Belize make up a small portion of the population. The language and some traditions have survived, and thus allow visitors the chance to discover Mayan culture while in Belize.
At Jaguar Creek Belize eco lodge, we source all our food and items locally from the cultures that make up the area. It is our mission to support our community while upholding a sustainable format to keep this natural rainforest land in pristine condition.
From our amenities that allow you to get in touch with nature to our adventure tours, you’ll have the chance to discover more about the Maya people and the sacred lands upon which the relics of their once dominant society reside.
Taste the influences of all the cultures that come together in Belize at our Main Lodge restaurant, where the local cuisine is influenced by locally sourced foods cooked with authentic flair. By staying at our Belize eco lodge, you are supporting this area and keeping the life of the ancient people alive.
Jaguar Creek offers you the exclusive chance to enjoy modern resort accommodations while getting in touch with nature and the storied past of the land. Reserve your cabana today and get ready to discover the best of Belize through the history of the Mayans, adventures, culture, beaches, and more!
