Located off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, Cubagua Island holds a fascinating history and is home to the remnants of the once-thriving city of Nueva Cadiz. This small island, measuring only 9.2 square miles, played a significant role in the early exploration and colonization of the Americas. Nueva Cadiz, founded in 1500 by Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda, was one of the first European settlements in the New World. It quickly became a bustling hub of activity, attracting merchants, explorers, and fortune seekers from far and wide. The city’s prosperity…