The Golden Age of Piracy (c. 1650 - 1720) saw pirates operating globally, often in small, swift ships like sloops. Contrary to popular belief, many crews were surprisingly organized, practicing a form of democracy and valuing diversity, with estimates suggesting a significant portion of pirates were of Black descent. Many popular tropes, like saying "Arrr!" constantly or burying all their treasure, are largely myths perpetuated by fiction, as most pirates spent their loot quickly.
Myth: X marks the spot! Reality: Most spent it fast.
Don't count on finding an 'X' on a secret island! While a few legendary pirates did bury small caches, most crews preferred to spend their treasure quickly. Life at sea was too risky to wait to spend your 'pieces of eight' and other loot.
More than just fighting: Cook, Carpenter, and Navigator were key.
Life on a pirate ship was hard work! Every crew member, from the lookout high in the crow's nest to the cook below, had an important job. Their organization and teamwork helped their fast ships outmaneuver bigger targets.
Diversity, democracy, and language you didn't know!
Pirates were much more complex than the movies show! They often ran their ships democratically and were made up of sailors from many different nations and backgrounds.
Learn the words that bring the sea alive!
Mastering pirate lingo is key to understanding the age of sail! These terms weren't just for fun - they were quick ways to communicate orders and camaraderie on a busy deck.
The peak years of high-seas adventure (c. 1650-1720)
While pirates existed long before and after, the Golden Age - from about 1650 to 1720 - is when many of the most famous pirate stories took place across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
She commanded over 300 ships and 40,000 men!
Meet Ching Shih, the brilliant Chinese pirate queen who, by some accounts, commanded more people than many national navies! Her story shows that great leaders in history came from every corner of the globe.
Small and swift versus big and grand.
Pirate ships were built for speed, not comfort! A typical pirate frigate was tiny compared to the massive cruise ships we see today, which is why they relied on quick raids rather than long, open battles.
One sails for a King, the other for themselves.
Both privateers and pirates raided ships, but permission made all the difference! A privateer had the government's blessing (a 'Letter of Marque'), while a pirate operated completely outside the law.
Not every flag was the Skull and Crossbones!
The pirate flag was a tool of psychological warfare! Before firing a single cannon, the flag sent a message: surrender peacefully, or face the consequences.
She dressed as a man and fought fiercely in the Caribbean.
Anne Bonny proved that courage and skill weren't just for men on the high seas! She sailed, fought, and led with the best of them during the early 1700s in the Caribbean.
It wasn't (just) for an injury!
While injuries did cause some pirates to wear eye patches, the most common reason was actually a clever trick to instantly see in the dark below deck! It was all about being ready for action.
So we can tailor your experience
We'll use this to shape your experience.