Belize History Timeline & FactsSouth America - Concise History of the Mesoamerican civilisations Mesoamericans were the ancient civilisations of South America which is now divided into 12 independent countries consisting of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The diverse civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica included the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. The Mayans empire covered Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Click the following link for details of the ancient South American / Mesoamerican Civilisations History Timeline & Facts Concise History & Timeline from 16th Century of Belize 1542 Spain invades and conquest occurs 1546 Rebellion and the Spanish are forced to leave Belize 1567 The Spanish re-conquest of Belize 1642 Belize rebellion and once again the Spanish forced to leave 1650's Estimated date of beginning of British settlement 1650 - 1800's the use of imported African slave labor 1810 - Overthrow of the king of Spain by Napoleon 1824 An estimated 2,500 slaves in Belize In 1838 slavery was formally abolished 1862 Officially declared a colony and part of British Commonwealth with the name British Honduras 1973 Name changes to Belize 1981 Belize becomes an independent member of the Commonwealth with the Queen of England as ceremonial head of state. Belize History Time line |