In Maya, Cuzamil translates to "land of the swallows,"
a reflection of the indigenous birds that grace the
landscape. Mexico's Isla Cozumel (or Cozumel Island)
derives its name from the Mayans who believed the island
to be a sacred shrine. A seafaring people, they established
the island as a commercial stop. Recent investigations
have uncovered proof that the first Mayans settled on
Cozumel approximately 2,000 years ago.
The conqueror proceeded to destroy many of the Mayan
temples. The Revolution of 1910 - 1917 resulted in
important land reforms and freedom for the isleños.
Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva made a peaceful
stop on the island in 1518. By the time Cortés
left Cozumel, the ancient civilization lie in ruins.
Cozumel was resettled in 1848 when people escaped
the Mexican mainland during the "War of the Castes"
in which natives of Mayan ancestry struggled to regain
their original lands. The visit was followed a year
later by the infamous Hernán Cortés.
At the same time an outbreak of smallpox killed thousands.
Between 1519 and 1570 the island's population dropped
from 40,000 to 30. By 1600 the island was desolate.
By 1970, Cozumel's population quickly grew to 10,000
and today the island boasts a population of more than
65,000.
