Mark Horton

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.

Mark Horton, a maritime historical archaeologist, sheds light on the brutal legacy of conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Delving into the treacherous journey Balboa undertook to claim the Pacific, Horton reveals the harsh realities of early Spanish colonialism and its devastating effects on indigenous populations. The discussion highlights the contrasting legacies of Balboa and other figures like Cortes, as well as the archaeological findings that illuminate this complex period of exploration and greed.

Mark Horton, an archaeologist specializing in ancient history, joins the discussion on Scotland's ill-fated Darien Scheme of 1698. He shares how Scottish pioneers, driven by ambition, attempted to colonize Panama but faced dire repercussions like disease and starvation. The talk explores the socio-political climate of 17th-century Scotland and the disastrous ambitions that led to economic turmoil. With a mix of humor and serious reflection, Horton highlights the complex interplay between Scotland's aspirations and the harsh realities of colonization.