Brief History of Panama

Panamanian history like that of all countries is full of interesting and dramatic events. There are whole books written about it but I will just present you here with a very summarized version.

Introduction

Panama begins in the mists of pre-Columbian times among the Kuna indians of San Blas. Here, on a shining archipielago where there are more islands than there are days in a year, the Kunas still make their colourful Molas.

West of San Blas you will find the country's early Spanish beginnings at Portobelo. It was so named by Columbus on his 4th voyage to the New World. Portobelo has a history rich in treasure. Real action as the Spaniards plundered Peru of its Inca riches, a constant stream of booty began to flow north to Portobelo where it was stored, before its long way to Europe.

For buccaneers and pirates, the lure of so much gold and silver proved irresistible. Sir Francis Drake (so much for the elite) took the treasure city of Nombre de Dios, but died before he could do further damage. Then English pirate Henry Morgan (later appointed Governor of Jamaica!), upon learning that great wealth was gathered annually in Portobelo for a fair, chose his time carefully and took the city. This only served to whet his appetite for more. In 1671, armed with 37 galleons and over 2000 men, Morgan sacked and took what today is known as Old Panama City.

Colonial Panama

The Isthm of Panama was discovered by the Spaniard Don Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501 accompanied by Vasco Nu�ez de Balboa who later on "discovered" the Pacific ocean. A year later (1502) Cristopher Columbus, discoverer of the Americas, visited the Isthm of Panama in his 4th and last voyage.

The Conquest of Panama began in 1508 then known as "Castilla de Oro". The first colony on the isthm was established by Don Pedro Arias Davila as governor of the Spanish Crown in the now province of Darien.

Vasco Nu�ez de Balboa discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513 in an expedition guided by a local indian that had mentioned the presence of the big ocean. Unfortunately six years later hell broke loose between him and the governor and Vasco Nu�ez was decapitated in the town of Acla, Darien in 1919.

The discovery of the Pacific Ocean was extremely important because it was a more feasible site (health wise) thus leading to the foundation of the city of Panama (now Old Panama city, Panama Vieja). This exploration culminated with the discovery and conquest of Peru.

Life in the Isthm of Panama then flourished as it was the forced route of the conquerors of South America, as well as for the transport of merchandise from Spain and naturally all the gold and silver from the new continent.

For a look back on the days of Spanish Main, visit the forts that still stand at Portobelo and San Lorenzo. And for a sense of the scourge that Morgan was to the Spanish Crown, walk through the ruins of Old Panama founded in 1519.

After Morgan and his men sacked Old Panama singing "There'll be a hot time in the Old Town Tonight", the Spaniards opted to move the fiesta again to the more defensible peninsula where the Casco Viejo now stands.

Also in the Casco Viejo today are the Presidential Palace of the Herons and the restored National Theatre

Modern Panama

The population of Panama is composed primarily of descendants of Spaniards, indians and black peoples that resided in the Isthm throughout its history. This lead to the various groups of humans that have intermingled and created the "mestizos". There are also descendants of other europeans nations, north americans, Chinese and several other ethnic groups all living in total harmony.

Except for the final years of the dictatorship, Panama city has been expanding since the 1950's. The city has grown into an international banking center. If you are in business, make it a special point to visit ATLAPA, Panama's convention center beside the Marriot Hotel. This complex can handle 10,000 visitors at a time. Its halls and auditoriums have played host to many solists and rock groups, also Alexander Gudonov, Julio Iglesias, Miss Universe and an IBM International convention.

Whether it is daytime or nighttime there is always something to do in the city so have a good time!.