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A Brief History of Belize |
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It was the most spectacular discovery at Altun Ha. The giant jade object was found on top of the right wrist of the person interred in the oldest of a series of seven royal tombs discovered in Structure B4, the Temple of the Masonry Altars. The crypt also contained numerous other smaller jade objects, several pieces of pottery, numerous jaguar and cougar skins and clothes and other perishables.
In a cerimonial style typical of Altun Ha, the entire burial site and the corpse was impregnated with red pigment.
The Jade Head of Kinich Ahau was famous almost from the moment of its discovery. It is a source of national pride in Belize and has become a national symbol. It appears on the nation's currency.
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(from Belize Visitor Information) |
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2400 BC |
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Material from the early Mayans carbon-dated from this period has been found at Cuello. These are the earliest inhabitants of Belize. |
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2000 BC - 1000 AD |
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The Mayan civilization spreads throughout the region with many major centers. Among these centers of trade was the city we call Altun Ha. |
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1638 |
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The British establish a colony. |
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1783 |
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The exchange rate remains constant and is fixed at 2 Belize dollars to one US dollar. In the tourist centers, all major credit cards and US dollars are accepted, but change is usually in Belize.
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Settlement rights are recognized by Great Britin. |
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1786 |
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The British install a self-government. |
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1798 |
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British settlers defeat the Spanish in the battle of St. George's Caye. |
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1859 |
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The Jade Head is not the only famous symbol from Altun Ha. Notice the logo on this label of Belikin Beer from the Belize Brewing Co. It is an illustration of the Temple of the Sun God (Structure B4) from Altun Ha.
Altun Ha was an important ceremonial and trading center to the Mayans. It remains an important symbol of pride to the people of Belize. |
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The International border between British Honduras and Guatemala was established. |
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1862 |
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British Honduras receives official status as a British Colony. |
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1931 |
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A major hurricane destroys Belize City. |
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1948 |
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Return to the Humanities Home Page
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Guatemala lays claim to British Honduras and closes the border. |
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1961 |
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Hurricane Hattie destroys Belize City. The capitol was moved inland and Belmopan was started. |
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1964 |
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The British install a new constitution and self- government. |
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1973 |
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British Honduras is renamed Belize. |
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1981 |
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Belize becomes an independent nation. |
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The
carved jade head of Kinich Ahau, the Sun God was discovered in 1968 in a
tomb under a giant central stair block leading to the main altar of
Structure B4. At 15 cm high and weighing almost 10 pounds, the
Jade Head is the largest jade piece to be discovered in the Mayan world.
Notice
in the upper left hand corner is an illustration of the "Jade
Head" from Altun Ha. It is a national symbol of Belize and it
appears on all their currency.