| The island of Cozumel was settled by the Mayas as early as 300 AD. It became an important seaport for Mayan trade because it was
 well positioned in the middle of routes to and from Honduras and Veracruz. In addition, Cozumel history began as a pilgrimage site; the shrines of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, drew worshippers from all over the Mayan empire. The site of this worshiping was what is now the San Gervasio ruins, located on the transversal road going east on the island. Another archeological site which defines Cozumel history, is El Cedral. El Cedral is located on the southeast interior of the island. Although initial attempts by the Spanish to settle the Yucatan Peninsula failed due to the resistance of the Mayas, in 1518, Juan de Grijalva
 landed on Cozumel Island with four ships bound for Cuba. Grijalva didn't didn't have much impact on Cozumel history but was followed by Hernán Cortéz one year later, marking the beginning of a bitter struggle for control of the peninsula between the Spanish and the Mayas. Cortéz and his men destroyed many of the Mayan temples on Cozumel; after he departed the island to further explore the peninsula, a smallpox epidemic broke out and Cozumel's population fell to less than 300 people by 1570. By the year 1600, Cozumel was completely abandoned.
 In the 17th century, pirates took advantage of Cozumel's isolation and used it as a base for operations. The most notable of Cozumel's pirates was American pirate Jean Lafitte. The island was not re-inhabited until 1848, when settlers from the mainland sought refuge there from the Caste War, a fierce war that broke out when the Mayas decided to avenge the wrongs inflicted on them and their lands by the Spanish. In the end, the white settlers prevailed. And so it still remains a part of Cozumel history.
 Cozumel remained a quiet little fishing community until 1961, when French explorer Jacques Cousteau proclaimed the area's waters one of the most spectacular scuba diving sites in the world. The island became a divers' haven and eventually, a cruise ship port-of-call. Today, Cozumel has evolved into a tourist destination popular even with people who don't scuba dive.
 It is overshadowed by nearby Cancún in terms of grandiose development, but that fact suits most of its visitors just fine. Cozumel remained a quiet little fishing community until discovered by the tourism industry in the '60s.
Today Cozumel Island, Mexico is a destination vacation spot for millions of visitors annually. Come to our island and see why it has stood the test of time and is more then ever the gem of the "Mayan Riviera".
Bob Rodriguez Casa Colonial http://cozumelrentalvillas.com  | 
