Santa Rita Corozal is an ancient Mayan pre-
Columbian archaeological site situated in Belize. Santa Rita is
largely unexcavated by archaeologists. Much of its structures are
covered by modern day town of Corozal, but attempts to learn about
this settlement is underway.
Santa Rita Corozal was probably
known as Chetumal by the Mayans. First evidence for settlements date
back to 2000- 1200BC. First residents found their town at the
confluence of Rio Hondo river and New River which provided fresh
water even during worst draughts. It secured existence of the city
until arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Today most of population
of modern day Corozal are descendants of the original native
population as well as new- comers from Spain that conquered these
lands.
The Early Classic period had 1,500 residents who lived in a village that was much different than the earlier periods. Monuments were constructed and trades item were found, indicating that trade was increasing. Thirteen burials found from this time period indicate that an extensive social hierarchy was in place in anta Rita Corozal. Three of those thirteen burials were found in Structure 7, they had extravagant items not find in the other burials.Structure 7 is the tallest building at Santa Rita Corozal. One of these burials, which is dated to 450 A.D. contained what is thought to be a powerful ruler of Santa Rita Corozal. He was interred with items associated with the burial offerings of higher-ranked citizens. It is important to note that at this Early Classic time period, a distinct social structure had developed. The wealth found at the burials is thought to be due to trade along the rivers that border Santa Rita Corozal-the New River and the Rio Hondo. The Late Classic period is found throughout the site. It is estimated that by 750 A.D. at its peak in anta Rita Corozal nearly 2,500 residents were living at the site. Artifacts found throughout the site indicate that a large portion of the population had access to most items. The social hierarchy of the early Classic period had vanished.