How much do you know about this precious Caribbean gem called Jamaica? Much, a little...nothing at all. Ok, whichever category you fall into, here is a little history lesson for you today. Enjoy!
I. Pre-Colombian Jamaica
Prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1494, Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawak, living in simple communities based on fishing, hunting, and small scale cultivation of cassava. The impact of the contact with the Spanish was traumatic, and these communities disappeared in 70-80 years. Plunder, disruption of economic activities, new diseases, and migration decimated the indigenous population. Only a few artifacts-facts, examples of which are on display at the small museum at White Marl, and a few Spanish corruptions of place names (such as Ocho Rios) remain from this period. Otherwise, there is no Arawak influence on the subsequent development of life on the island.
Prior to the arrival of Columbus in 1494, Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawak, living in simple communities based on fishing, hunting, and small scale cultivation of cassava. The impact of the contact with the Spanish was traumatic, and these communities disappeared in 70-80 years. Plunder, disruption of economic activities, new diseases, and migration decimated the indigenous population. Only a few artifacts-facts, examples of which are on display at the small museum at White Marl, and a few Spanish corruptions of place names (such as Ocho Rios) remain from this period. Otherwise, there is no Arawak influence on the subsequent development of life on the island.
II. The Spanish Occupation,
Disappointed by the absence of gold on the island (they clearly didn't search hard enough
), the Spanish used Jamaica as a base for supporting the conquest of the Americas, particularly Mexico with its treasures of gold and silver. The population of the Spanish settlement, including their slaves, was never large. It was administered from the Town of Santiago de la Vega, now called Spanish Town, and much of the architecture of the original buildings is still evident today in the town square. Economic activity consisted primarily of production for domestic consumption, and to a lesser extent the supply of Spanish ships.
Disappointed by the absence of gold on the island (they clearly didn't search hard enough
), the Spanish used Jamaica as a base for supporting the conquest of the Americas, particularly Mexico with its treasures of gold and silver. The population of the Spanish settlement, including their slaves, was never large. It was administered from the Town of Santiago de la Vega, now called Spanish Town, and much of the architecture of the original buildings is still evident today in the town square. Economic activity consisted primarily of production for domestic consumption, and to a lesser extent the supply of Spanish ships.Getting interesting? Well, guess what, this was just to tickle your taste bud. Keep watching for more startling facts about the world famous paradise.
In Jamaican patois I would say: Mi ga'an, si yu next time
Bye,
Michael
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Labels: caribbean, country, fun, history, island, jamaica, travel, trip, vacation
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posted by Michael L. Roache @ 7:27 PM
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