For over 500 years, the Isthmus of Panama has been dominated by its relationship to the sea and the rivers that feed it. In this seminal work, the authors explore the maritime history of the isthmus through its many stages: from its prehistoric period through Spanish colonialism to the building of the canal and its function as a route for modern day maritime traffic. Combining archaeology, history, geography, and economic history, this volume situates Panama's canal and isthmus in the global economy and world maritime culture.