273. Panama’s Brutish Conquistador Who Found The Pacific and Lost His Head (Part 1)
Empire
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Panama's Colonial Crucible
This chapter explores the historical and geographical significance of Panama, emphasizing its strategic position as a critical point for explorers and early Spanish colonization efforts. It delves into the contrasting legacies of figures like Balboa and Enciso, highlighting their differing approaches to conquest and governance, as well as the brutal treatment of Indigenous peoples. The narrative also touches on cultural misunderstandings of gender identity during the period and the devastating impact of European diseases on native populations.
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