The heart of the ancient Maya empire is in modern-day Belize, and three distinct groups of Maya continue to call the small Central American country home. The Maya of Belize are grouped by their dialect, known as the Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan Maya people.

The three Maya groups of Belize, the Yucatec, Mopan, and Q’eqchi, are descendants of the indigenous people of the Yucatán peninsula. In modern day, the Maya people mainly farm for a living and make up one-tenth of the population of Belize.

The history of the Maya is integral to the history of Belize. Belize is located in one of the most important strongholds of this ancient civilization. That legacy can be seen today in the many well-preserved Maya ruins that are present in Belize. The best-known are those at Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Caracol, and Lamanai. Who Were the Maya?

Belize holds within its borders a fascinating history, intricately woven by the enigmatic Maya civilization. The Mayas, who once controlled a vast empire, left behind an astonishing legacy in Belize, creating an unforgettable travel experience. The land of Belize is dotted with over a dozen major Maya archaeological sites.

There are presently three groups of Maya living in Belize: the Yucatec, Kekchi and Mopan Maya. Belize’s Yucatec Maya have their origins in the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. They migrated to Belize in the 19th century as refugees, escaping the Guerra de Castes (Caste War of Yucatan).

2024年7月5日 · The Maya civilization in Belize dates back as far as 2000 BCE. Flourishing between 250 and 900 CE, the Classic Period saw the rise of majestic cities, complex political structures, and profound scientific and artistic achievements. Archaeological Sites. Belize is home to numerous Maya sites, each offering unique insights:

The Maya make up about 11% of Belize’s population. Most Maya live in traditional villages but some also live near the now-ruined cities of the Ancient Maya Empire. Maya Ruins like Altun Ha, Cuello, Lubaantun, Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich are popular tourist destinations today, serving as proud reminders of the long history of Maya ...

2022年11月25日 · Ancient Maya culture flourished from around 2000 BC across the southeastern corner of Mesoamerica. This area can be divided into three sub regions: Southern Highlands, central lowlands, and northern lowlands.

Today’s Maya are descendants of nomadic people who settled in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, El Salvador and Honduras. While the beginning of the early habitation is open to debate, the Maya Long Count Calendar gives a Maya creation date of 11 August, 3114 BC, and traces of Maya habitation at Cuello, in Belize, were recently ...

2024年10月20日 · Belize is a treasure trove of ancient Mayan temples, towns and cities, only a few of which have been uncovered. The Maya are probably the best-known of the classical civilizations of Mesoamerica . Originating in the Yucatán around 2600 B.C., they rose to prominence around A.D. 250 in present-day southern Mexico , Guatemala , northern Belize ...