词条 | Cozumel |
释义 | Cozumel island, Mexico ![]() Measuring about 29 miles (46 km) from northeast to southwest and averaging 9 miles (14 km) in width, it is the largest of Mexico's inhabited islands. Geologically similar to the Yucatán, the interior of Cozumel consists of a plain broken by low hills that are only about 50 feet (15 metres) above sea level. Much of the island is covered by scrubby tropical jungle. Poor soils have discouraged agriculture on the island, but traditional crops include tropical fruits, henequen (a fibre crop), corn (maize), and cassava (manioc). ![]() Cozumel was a commercial and ceremonial centre during the Mayan (Maya) period (about 250 to 950 CE), and the island has several small archaeological sites. In 1518 Juan de Grijalva led the first Spanish expedition to Cozumel. In 1519 Hernán Cortés (Cortés, Hernán, marqués del Valle de Oaxaca) used the island as a base for Spanish efforts to conquer the Maya. During most of the Spanish colonial era, Cozumel was only sparsely populated, but trading ships and pirates occasionally sought shelter and replenished supplies on the island, which was protected behind offshore reefs. Area 189 square miles (489 square km). Pop. (2005) 71,401. |
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