Santa Rita is a Mayan ruin in Belize in the Corozal District.
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| Santa Rita | ||
| District | Corozal District | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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background
The first settlement finds lead to 1000 BC. BC, which, however, only suggest an extensive agricultural economy. The construction of the only large building and the discovery of several burial chambers suggest that Santa Rita gained importance from 300 AD. Numerous trade contacts such as Mixtec, Aztec or Maya from Guatemala could be proven by finds. In the post-classical period, Santa Rita was increasingly used as a trading post of Mayapán (today's Mexico) because of its location on two strategically important trade routes of the Maya, a Spanish ship stranded off the coast of Belize in 1511 AD. The survivors reached Santa Rita after 13 days and were taken prisoner by the Maya. In a short time all but Gerónimo de Aguilar and Gonzalo Guerrero were sacrificed. When Hernán Cortes reached the Yucatan in 1519, he found out about it and asked to see it. De Aguilar followed Cortes and became his interpreter. But Guerrero meanwhile had a Maya woman and 3 children. The then ruler of Santa Rita Nachancan had appointed him military advisor. In 1531 a group of Spanish soldiers led by Lieutenant Dávila set out to take Santa Rita and came across an abandoned city. So they renamed it Villa Real and set up their base camp. But all of this was only part of the Maya's thoughtful plan. In the ensuing 18-month fighting, not only could Santa Rita be retaken, but the Spaniards were also completely driven out of northern Belize. However, these erected in Bacalar a garrison and cut through the main trade route from Santa Rita, which was then abandoned in the late 16th century.
In the early twentieth century, British doctor Thomas Gann examined the ruins of Santa Rita, and systematic excavations were then carried out in 1979 and 1985 by Diane and Arlen Chase. Large parts of the city are meanwhile due to the expansion of Corozal destroyed.
getting there
By bus to Corozal. From Novelo’s Bus Station follow Santa Rita Road for approx. 700 meters. At the Super Santa Rita Store left, and after about 200 meters you will find a small forest on the right. Inside is a middle, partially restored pyramid.
The ruin is always accessible without an entrance fee.
