The Mayan civilization flourished from 2000 B.C. to about 900 A.D. During the classic period from 250 to 900 A.D., the Maya built temples, carved fantastic artwork from stone and jade, made astonishing discoveries in mathematics and astronomy, and devised the most sophisticated writing system in the Western Hemisphere. They also evolved a 1,500-mile-long trade route running the length of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and continuing through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Some experts speculate that drought and wars led to the eventual decline of this great civilization; others believe that the Maya simply evolved into a less centralized lifestyle, abandoning great cities for numerous small villages. At the height of Mayan civilization, the population of what is now Belize may have reached one million, four times what it is today. Although their numbers are reduced, the Maya still live in Belize, still speak Mayan dialects, and still practice ancient crafts and healing techniques. Here are some areas of Belize where visitors can experience remnants of the classic Mayan period.