Earthquake Devastates Port Royal, Jamaica (1692)

In the 17th century, Port Royal was the capital of Jamaica and a popular destination for pirates to store and spend their treasure, earning the city a seedy reputation. On June 7, 1692, a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the city, causing a large portion of it to sink into the Caribbean Sea. Between 1,000 and 3,000 people—a significant percentage of the city’s population—were killed in the disaster. What nickname have archaeologists since given the city? Discuss

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