Colha

Colha is a Maya archaeological site in northern Belize, about 52 km north of Belize City near Orange Walk[1]. One of the earliest Maya settlements, it was occupied from the Early Preceramic period (3400-1900 BC) through the Middle Postclassic period[1]. The site's prominence stemmed from its location near high-quality chert sources in Cenozoic limestone, enabling the operation of at least 36 workshops that produced nearly 4 million chert and obsidian tools distributed throughout Mesoamerica[1]. Population peaks occurred during the Late Preclassic and Late Classic periods, driven by these stone tool manufacturing activities[1]. Colha's trade networks may have extended to the Greater Antilles[1].