Belize’s first Archeological Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Palacio, in discussion with Archaeologists, Dr. David Pendergast and Dr. Stan Lotten at Lamanai, 1976
Barranco born, Garifuna Belizean anthropologist and Belize’s first Archeological Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Palacio, in discussion with Archaeologists, Dr. David Pendergast and Dr. Stan Lotten at Lamanai, 1976. During his tenure as Archaeological Commissioner from 1971-76 he played a key role in developing legislation for excavation and preservation of archaeological sites in Belize.
The Lamanai archaeological reserve, located in Northern Belize, is one of the longest occupied Maya centers in the country. Lamanai, "submerged crocodile", was occupied by the Maya as early as the 16th century BC, becoming a prominent center in the Pre Classic Period (4th century BC- 1st century CE).
This occupation and prominence continued through to 17th century A.D. During this time the Spanish were on a conquest of the Yucatan, infiltrating Maya communities.
Subsequently, in 1544, the first church was erected approximately 400 yards south of the Jaguar Temple and in the year 1560 the second church was built to the north of Jaguar Temple.
Both churches were constructed using the remains of a destroyed temple and Maya forced labor. The second church being destroyed during the 1640 rebellion.
Photograph courtesy Jeremy A. Enriquez
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