Empire 274. Pirates of Panama: Francis Drake Strikes Spain's Empire (Part 2)
Jul 21, 2025
Historian and archaeologist Mark Horton dives into the swashbuckling world of piracy in Panama during the 1600s. He unravels the backstory of Captain Morgan and how a Welsh buccaneer made a name through audacious attacks. Horton also reveals how Elizabeth I funded Francis Drake's notorious slaving ventures and discusses the strategic significance of Panama's forts. With tales of Drake's legacy and a peek into the treasure-filled era, this conversation is rich in maritime history and colorful characters.
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Horton Lives in Drake's House
- Mark Horton lives in a house that traditionally is said to have belonged to Sir Francis Drake.
- The house reportedly has spectral signs like the smell of ancient tobacco and the sound of bowls, connected to Drake.
Drake's Early Privateering Roots
- Francis Drake was initially one of John Hawkins' captains in illegal slave voyages, but they had a falling out.
- Drake then independently raided Panama's coast, targeting Spanish silver and disrupting their economy.
Drake's Role in Slave Trade Expansion
- Drake’s exploits catalyzed England's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, breaking Spanish and Portuguese monopolies.
- The Caribbean’s native populations were decimated, fueling an insatiable Spanish demand for African slaves.