A thousand years before Europeans
arrived, a vibrant Maya civilization
flourished throughout the territory
that is now Belize. Rich in both biodiversity
and ancient Maya archaeological
sites, Belize is a leader in
ecotourism. This evening seminar
provides an overview of the Maya
ruins, as well as the superb flora
and fauna.
6:45 to 8 p.m. Ancient Maya Sites
From rural farmsteads to palaces,
Belizean sites provide fascinating windows into every facet of
ancient Maya civilization. Archaeologist John Henderson
discusses Maya sites Caracol, a key player in power politics;
Altun Ha, a trading center; and Lamanai, a thriving river port.
8 to 9 p.m. Rainforest to Reef
Belize is home to both an extensive
tropical rainforest making up part of
la Selva Maya (the Maya Forest) and
the second-largest barrier reef worldwide.
Biologist Marcella Kelly guides
you into the heart of jaguar territory
to examine the diverse wildlife you
encounter.
Henderson is the director of Cornell
University’s archaeology program and
author of World of the Ancient Maya.
Kelly is an associate professor in the Department of Fisheries
and Wildlife Sciences at Virginia Tech.