The history of South American exploration is full of mysteries, but the fate of the Spanish colony Rey Don Felipe, later known as Puerto del Hambre, has always stood out for its particular drama. Now, centuries later, Chilean archaeologists have managed to pinpoint the exact location of this vanished settlement on the shores of the Strait of Magellan. The key evidence was a silver coin discovered precisely where, according to accounts, the ritual founding of the colony took place.
The colony was established in 1584 by order of King Philip II. Spain sought to control the strategic passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but within three years the expedition was doomed: the settlement was found deserted and its inhabitants perished. This very tragedy gave the place its name, Puerto del Hambre—Port of Hunger.
A coin as evidence
The decisive find was a silver real de a ocho—the famous “piece of eight” coin, widely used throughout the Spanish Empire. Its value lies not only in its age, over 400 years old, but also in the fact that it was found at the very spot where, according to chronicles, the founding ceremony took place. Historical sources indicate that a similar coin was used in the ritual, symbolizing the beginning of a new life in unknown lands.
According to archaeologist Francisco Garrido of Chile’s National Museum of Natural History, the metal detector’s signal was so strong that the team immediately realized the object could be significant. After precise location and careful excavation, the coin confirmed the scientists’ suspicions.
Technologies and documents
Although the settlement site had been known since the 1950s, modern geolocation and metal detection methods have, for the first time, made it possible to pinpoint the exact spot of the founding ritual. As noted by researcher Soledad González Díaz from Bernardo O’Higgins University, in recent decades new historical documents have been discovered, including a 16th-century map, which allowed researchers to cross-reference written sources with archaeological data.
This approach has not only confirmed the location but also enabled a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the colony’s failure. While hunger and isolation were previously considered the main causes, researchers are now paying attention to internal conflicts, tensions, and violence, which may have been just as significant.
Significance of the discovery
Among the key outcomes of the work are the precise localization of the ritual center, confirmation of the connection between written and material evidence, as well as the application of new technologies to an old site. This paves the way for a deeper study of the colonists’ lives and their interactions with local peoples.
During the first expedition in 2019, two bronze cannons that belonged to the Spanish expedition were also discovered. The team is now working on a documentary film, which is expected to be released next year.
The discovery of the coin not only allows for a highly accurate determination of the location of Rey Don Felipe, but also brings renewed attention to the reasons for the failure of such colonial projects. Among them are isolation, lack of resources, and weak support from the metropolis. Researchers note that these same factors were present in other vanished settlements, allowing for comparisons across different historical scenarios.
Context and parallels
Interestingly, modern infrastructure projects in the region, such as the proposed underwater tunnel between Morocco and Portugal, are also linked to efforts to explore new routes and overcome natural barriers. Read more about these initiatives in the article on the construction of the underwater corridor between Morocco and Portugal.
Thus, the find in Puerto Hambre not only solves one of history’s mysteries, but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by European powers as they sought to colonize new lands in different eras.
