Sent by the king of Spain, Pedrarías Dávila founded Panamá Viejo in 1519. This was the first ever first town built in pacific ocean of america. Most of these buildings were churches or convents as this town was meant to spread Catholicism. Later on, this location became a hub for slave trade, gold, and coffee, introducing all of these items to the Americas from Europe. However, the Spaniards saw this town as temporary for business, and did not view Panamá Viejo as a permanent destination. British buccaneers arrived in 1671, attacking the town, and so the Spaniards set fire to the village so they could not plunder their supplies.
google.comPart of: Global Challenge: Panama