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DATE
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EVENTS
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15000-7000 B.C.
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First human habitation of Belize. Nomadic Indians hunt and scavange along coastal and savana areas. Richmond Hill site established.
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3000-2000 B.C.
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Evidence of plant domestication by early settlers near Pulltrouser Swamp and San Antonio Village, Orange Walk
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1500-1000 B.C.
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Earliest evidence for actual Maya settlements at Cuello, Santa Rita and Colha in northern Belize
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600-100 B.C.
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Increasing contact/trade between Belize Maya settlements and Olmec civilization
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100-700 A.D.
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Construction of large temple pyramids at Lamanai and Cerros. Maya civilization fully established throughout region.
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700-1200 A.D.
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Decline of many Maya cities in northern Belize while Lamanai and Santa Rita still thrive.
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1200-1400 A.D.
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Increasing relations between Maya cities in Belize and northern Yucatan powers. Murals at Santa Rita (Corozal) created.
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1502 A.D.
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First contact between Spanish and Maya in the Bay of Honduras.
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1511-1519 A.D.
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Shipwrecked Spaniards land on coast of Yucatan. Spaniard Gonzalo Guerrero marries daughter of Nachan Can, ruler of ancient Chetumal (Santa Rita).
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1550-1650 A.D.
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Spanish begin missionary activities in Belize and construct church at Lamanai.
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1697 A.D.
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Last independent Maya kingdom, Tah Itza (Flores, Peten) falls under Spanish control. Several small villages in Belize continue to exist independently.
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