Belize in the Early 1500s

1520 – 1540 approx. – The Spanish carried out exploration and conquests in Central America. Their focus was the search for gold along the Pacific coast. (H:16 & 432)

In 1524, Cortez led a Spanish force from Mexico City to Honduras. He may have come close to crossing the south-western corner of what is now Belize. (L:115)