History of Belize

The first inhabitants of Belize were the Maya, whose presence on the territory since the first half of the first millennium is testified by the archaeological remains. Belize was part of an empire that extended to other areas of Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico today.

Spanish settlers, disappointed by the lack of minerals in Belize soon neglected the region. It was the British who settled in the seventeenth century, and founded forestry. At the same time, English and French pirates pillaged the ships aground on the numerous coral reefs located along the coast.

The exploitation of the rich forest resources of the country with the assistance of slave labor, allowed Baymen (nickname for the British) pounds lucrative trade of mahogany. Spainfollowed by Guatemala,without having been claimed ever established in the territory of Belize.

In the decisive battle of St. George Cay in 1798, the Baymen and their slaves resisted the Spanish invaders, but they had to protect its territory located in the area of ​​influence of Spain, go to the Crown which in 1862, erected Belize as a colony under the name British Honduras'until 1973.

Belize gained independence in the table of the Commonwealth, in September 1981, following an agreement between Britain and Guatemala, which he renounced his claim to the country. British troops remained in place to ensure respect for the country's borders, but the normalization of relations with Guatemala were allowed to begin withdrawing in 1994.

Come to Belize and discover more of this wonderful country! Remember to visit the Sunbreeze Hotel:http://www.sunbreeze.net/