Skip to main content

First european settlement of Americas - Historic Panama Viejo


Founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila, **Panamá Viejo** (Old Panama) holds the distinction of being the first European settlement established on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Positioned strategically along the Isthmus, it grew rapidly into a vital commercial hub through which immense quantities of silver and gold extracted from South America—particularly Peru—were transported toward the Caribbean coast and shipped back to Europe.

At its peak, the city boasted a thriving urban layout featuring stone churches, convents, residential mansions, and a central square (Plaza Mayor). However, its prominence made it a prime target for maritime raiders. In January 1671, the Welsh privateer Captain Henry Morgan attacked and sacked the city. The ensuing conflict and fires devastated the settlement. Rather than rebuilding on the charred site, the Spanish authorities relocated two years later to a nearby peninsula, establishing what is today known as *Casco Antiguo*.

Archaeological Discoveries

In 1997, UNESCO designated Panamá Viejo a World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance. Extensive excavations conducted under the stewardship of the *Patronato Panamá Viejo* have illuminated layers of history far predating European arrival. Archaeological investigations have revealed:

* **Pre-Hispanic Settlements:** Excavations around the Plaza Mayor unearthed indigenous burial sites, ceramics, and stone tools, proving the area was home to thriving Cuevan and pre-Columbian communities centuries before Spanish arrival.

THE INDIAN CARAITO AND THE MUSES WARS

Ebook version

Paperback version


* **Colonial Domestic Life:** Digs beneath structures like *Casa Terrín* revealed 16th-century refuse pits and disused wells filled with European majolica, Asian porcelain, animal bones, and metal artifacts, providing a clear window into early transpacific trade and daily colonial life.

* **Urban Architecture:** Excavations have mapped the city's original street grid, revealing the foundations of the Cathedral, the Convent of the Conception, and civic buildings that survived Morgan's siege.

Today, visitors can climb the restored 30-meter Cathedral Tower for panoramic views of Panama City's modern skyline—a striking contrast between the country's ancient beginnings and its contemporary landscape.

Learn more about the settlement and its fall in this overview of [Panama Viejo's history](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJOf4yvOf2M&utm_source=gemini). This video provides visual context on the ruins and explains how Captain Henry Morgan's attack reshaped the nation's capital.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Audiobook - Esthetic book

A Look Back and Forward: Outdated and Trending Aesthetic Treatments in 2025 The world of aesthetics is ever-evolving, with new technologies constantly emerging and older ones falling by the wayside. As we navigate 2025, it's interesting to look at the treatments that are no longer in vogue, alongside the innovative procedures that are dominating the market. Gone are the days of highly invasive, full-face surgeries that promised dramatic results at a high risk. The trend has shifted towards minimally invasive, natural-looking enhancements. Treatments like dermabrasion , which was a popular choice for deep exfoliation, have largely been replaced by more precise and less aggressive options. Similarly, older laser technologies that were known for extensive downtime and potential for hyperpigmentation have been superseded by advanced fractional and picosecond lasers . These new devices offer superior results with a fraction of the recovery time. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

English Fashion Icon: Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour is one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the fashion world. Her career, marked by determination and a singular vision, has established her as the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and the global artistic director of Condé Nast. Anna Wintour is one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in the fashion world. Her career, marked by determination and a singular vision, has established her as the editor-in-chief of **Vogue** magazine and the global artistic director of Condé Nast. Beginnings and the Founding of Vogue Born in London in 1949, Anna Wintour grew up in a family with strong ties to journalism. Her father, Charles Wintour, was editor of the *London Evening Standard*, which undoubtedly influenced her future career. At 15, Anna left school to pursue her passion for fashion. Her first job was at *Harper's & Queen* magazine. After moving to New York, she worked at *Viva*, a women's magazine. Later, she joined *...
Post a Comment
Read more

Multimedia Handbook on sale at Comic Con LA - Amazon bestselling book

This new book & Audiobook will be available for sale on the Amazon and Audible platform at an affordable price. The energy in the Los Angeles Convention Center was electric! As I navigated the throngs of cosplayers, each more elaborate than the last, the sheer scale of the last LA Comic Con hit me. It felt like the entire city's population of geeks, nerds, and pop culture enthusiasts had descended upon downtown. I managed to catch a panel with the legendary voice actor, Troy Baker, who shared some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic roles. The room was packed, and his charisma was infectious. Later, I spotted Ming-Na Wen gracefully answering fan questions, her presence as commanding off-screen as it is on. The autograph lines for both of them stretched seemingly miles, a testament to their enduring popularity. Of course, Los Angeles isn't the only Comic Con hub in the US. I remember hearing about the incredible turnout a...
Read more