Panama » City Info » History

On 15th August 1519, Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila founded Panama City. The city emerged as the heart of expeditions, wherein the Inca Empire situated in Peru dated back to 1532 was captured. Being a stopover point in the history of the American continent, Panama City became a transit point for carrying ample amounts of gold and silver.

The city witnessed enormous destruction because of shocking fire when the pirate Henry Morgan sacked it on 28th January 1671. Morgan unknowingly broke the peace treaty between England and Spain and was arrested and carried to England in 1672. However, the city was renovated and re-established in a peninsula situated 8km from its original location on 21st January 1673.

On the other hand, Morgan was knighted by King Charles II of England in 1674 and appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica. This stood up as a reward for him instead of punishment for his devastating work in Panama.

The ruins of the devastated place became the main part of the World Heritage Site, which was termed as Panama Viejo, located in the suburbs of Panama City, including the historic districts of Panama.

At present, the largest city of the Republic of Panama is stepping forward in the path of progress. With ongoing development, it has become a hub for international trading and shipping activities.