Military or trade port cities? About the form and function of the Hispanic colonial cities in Latin America and the Caribbean

Hispanic American colonial port cities, particularly Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, were primarily designed for military defense while also serving as vital trade hubs. This dual function was found to be interdependent, with fortifications evolving throughout the colonial era to balance security and commerce. The study, based on primary sources such as colonial laws, viceregal reports from the 18th century, and secondary literature, reveals that while trade was significant, military defense remained the dominant priority in urban planning. This insight challenges the perception of these cities as solely commercial centers, highlighting their strategic importance during the colonial period.

Rubén Pérez Pinzón, L., & Bassols I Gardella, N. (2022). Military or trade port cities? About the form and function of the Hispanic colonial cities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Planning Perspectives, 38(2), 397–420. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2022.2104351