Port Royal

Port Royal, once known as the "wickedest city on earth," was a bustling port town in Jamaica. Founded by the Spanish in 1494 and later taken over by the English in 1655, it became a haven for pirates, privateers, and traders. The city's strategic location made it a key point for commerce and a refuge for pirates like Henry Morgan.

The golden age of Port Royal saw immense wealth and notorious debauchery, with taverns and brothels lining the streets. However, the city's prosperity was cut short on June 7, 1692, when a devastating earthquake struck, followed by a tsunami. This catastrophe sank much of the city into the sea, killing thousands and reshaping the coastline.

The town never fully recovered from this disaster, and while it remained a port of some importance, it never regained its former glory. Today, Port Royal is an archaeological site, offering valuable insights into 17th-century Caribbean life and pirate history.