Caribbean Coastal History

Caribbean Coastal History

The Mayan culture is the enduring backdrop for Mexico's Caribbean coast. Archaeologists have divided this civilization, which lasted some 3,000 years, into three main periods: preclassic and late preclassic (2000 BC- AD 100, together), classic (AD 100-1000), and postclassic (AD 1000-1521). Considered the most advanced civilization in the ancient Americas, the Mayans are credited with several major breakthroughs: a highly accurate calendar based on astronomical study; the mathematical concept of zero; hieroglyphic writing; and extraordinary ceremonial architecture. Although the Maya's early days were centered around the lowlands in the south-central region of Guatemala, the Mayan culture spread north to the Yucatán Peninsula sometime around AD 987. Tulum, which was built during this period, is the only ancient Mayan city that was built right on the water.

Until the 1960s, Quintana Roo was considered the most savage coast in Central America, a Mexican territory, not a state. The Caste Wars of the Yucatán, which began in 1847 and ended with a half-hearted truce in 1935, herded hardy Mayans to this remote region. With the exception of chicleros, men who tapped zapote or chicle trees for the Wrigley Chewing Gum Corporation, few non-Mayans roamed here. Whites and mestizos were not welcome; it was not safe.

By the 1950s the Mexican government began giving tracts of land to the chicleros in hopes of colonizing Quintana Roo. At that time, no roads existed. A few cocals, or coconut plantations, were scattered throughout the peninsula, headed by a handful of Mayan families.

In 1967 the Mexican government sought a location for an international-tourist destination with the finest beaches, the most beautiful water, and the fewest hurricanes. A stretch of unpopulated sand at the northeast tip of the Yucatán Peninsula fit the bill. Soon after identifying Cancún as the fortunate winner, that locale, Quintana Roo became Mexico's 31st state.

The 1980s saw an initial surge in tourism. And with the advent of the Riviera Maya in 2000, this 96-km (60-mi) region stretching south from Puerto Morelos to Tulum developed into one of the world's most popular beach destinations, with Playa del Carmen the fastest growing city in Latin America.