Formerly revered as the “richest city in the world” and surviving near-complete destruction via an earthquake, Port Royal’s history is abundant with intrigue and mystique. We look at a few historical facts behind this now-settled fishing village.

The coastal city of Port Royal was officially founded in 1494 by the Spanish and was also recognised as the largest city in the Caribbean. The Jamaican city was also seen as the economic hub for trade in the region.

The commercial Mecca of the Caribbean

Given the volume of commerce and trade activity in the area by the turn of the 17th century, Port Royal was seen as the “richest city in the world”, with much of its revenue being “loot” from Pirates who raided Spanish islands and ships.

“Wickedest City”

A noted adage goes- “the love of money or greed is the root of all evil.” This biblical reference drew a compelling parallel to the city’s description during its “heyday” after being deemed the “Wickedest City on Earth” following the prevalence of heathenistic and violent activities that took over the city.

God’s Warth?-Earthquake

Arguably, one of, not the most noted references to the city was the 1692 earthquake, which saw a large portion of the city sink into the sea.

The unofficial capital of the country

During that period, Port Royal served as the unofficial capital of Jamaica, while Spanish Town remained so officially before Kingston was designated as the nation’s new capital In 1872.