The Mayan civilization spread into the area of Belize between 1500 BC and AD 300 and flourished until 1200. Several major archeological sites - notably Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich - reflect the advanced civilization and much denser population of that period. European contact began in 1502 when Columbus sailed along the coast. The first recorded European settlement begun in 1638 when a shipwreck brought English seamen to the country. Over the next 150 years, more English settlements were established. Piracy, indiscriminate logging, and sporadic attacks also marked this period by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements. Both Spain and Britain lay claim to the land until Britain defeated the Spanish in the battle of St. George's Cay (1798). It became a colony of Great Britain in 1840, known as British Honduras and a Crown colony in 1862. Full internal self-government was granted in Jan 1964. In 1973, the country changed its name to Belize. Belize became independent on Sept. 21, 1981. But Guatemala, which had made claims on the territory since the 1800s, refused to recognize it. British troops remained in the country to defend it. Although the dispute between Guatemala and Great Britain remained unresolved, Guatemala recognized Belize's sovereignty in Sept. 1991. Guatemala, however, still claims more than half of Belize’s territory.
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