Known Sea Rogues: Discover Ten Notable Historically-Authentic Pirates
In the bustling era of swashbuckling, the topic of piracy has been heavily influenced by popular culture, especially in films like "Pirates of the Caribbean," where Johnny Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow cemented his stardom and the pirate image in the public eye. But, are pirates truly as captivating as Hollywood portrays them? To find out, let's delve into the lives of history's most notorious pirates. Here, we'll glimpse their tales, not just fabricated by screenwriters, but etched in historical records.
1. Sir Henry Morgan
This Welsh pirate left a significant mark in the Caribbean during the 17th century. Deadly, audacious, and feared, his raids on Spanish cities, including Panama and Maracaibo, earned him the title of the Conqueror of the Caribbean. Indeed, his bloodthirsty attack on Panama in 1671 overshadowed any compassion he may have shown as a knight.
2. Blackbeard (Edward Teach)
With a thick beard, roaming the waters from India to the American colonies, Blackbeard was not just another scary-looking pirate—he was one of the most dangerous pirates to ever live. Early in his career, he worked with Benjamin Homgold, but soon enough, he acquired his own ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. Known for his menacing appearance and cunning, Blackbeard died on November 22, 1718.
3. Thomas Tew
Known as the Pirate of Rhode Island, Tew was the commander of the Amity. His first significant haul was the capture of a massive ship en route from India to the Ottoman Empire, laden with gold and silver worth 100,000 pounds. Unfortunately for Tew, he was assassinated in 1695 during an attempt to overtake Fateh Mohammed's ship on his last voyage.
4. Howell Davis
Davis turned pirate for only 11 months but made quite an impression. Adept at cunning and wit, he ruled over four ships and his prey with ease. He met his end in 1719 following a failed attempt to kidnap a high-ranking official from a Portuguese island.
5. William Kidd
Scottish sailor, George Belmont's recruit, and originally assigned to hunt down pirates in the Red Sea, Kidd could not resist the temptation offered by his new crew. Kidd, too, fell into piracy and, while only striking once, was captured in 1701 and sentenced to death.
6. Cheung Po Tsai
Hailing from a simple fishing family, Cheung Po Tsai embarked on a pirate's life after his abduction by pirates at the age of 15. He eventually became a captain, with an impressive 50,000 followers and 600 ships under his command. Despite his notoriety as a pirate, he later became part of the Imperial Navy in 1810.
7. Edward England
Active as a pirate from 1717 to 1720, Edward England terrorized the coasts of Africa and the Indian Ocean. Sent to piracy by Christopher Winter, Edward England's fate was the same as the two other crew members who were abandoned by Winter on the island of Mauritius.
8. Charles Vane
Charles Vane enjoyed his infamy as a pirate, attacking only French and English ships. Known for his cruelty, Vane even showed little mercy towards his own crew. Despite his arrest and pardon in 1718, Vane couldn't resist piracy and was executed four years later.
9. Stede Bonnet
Nicknamed the "Gentleman Pirate," Stede Bonnet was a wealthy English landowner who became a pirate after the collapse of his marriage. Operating with his ship, the Revenge, Bonnet was captured and spared execution in 1717, but he soon returned to piracy under the guise of Captain Thomas. Bonnet's demise came in 1718, when he was executed by hanging.
10. Bartholomew Roberts
Known as the best pirate of his time, Bartholomew Roberts (John Roberts) holds the record for capturing 470 ships in just three years (1719-1722). Operating in the waters between America and West Africa, Roberts was known for his strict code of conduct, high standards, and impressive wealth. John Roberts completed his short but productive pirate career in 1722.
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From swashbucklers to brutal creatures, these pirate figures represent the fascination and fear people have had with piracy throughout history. Their infamous deeds have been instilled in literature, film, and folklore, immortalizing them in the annals of history.
- The captivating tales of pirates like Sir Henry Morgan, a Welsh buccaneer who rampaged through the Caribbean in the 17th century, have not only captivated audiences in films but are also a testament to his historical existence, their lives etched in the pages of history.
- In movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean," Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is portrayed as a terrifying figure, but his real-life exploits were even more impressive—he was one of the most dangerous pirates to roam from Indian waters to the American colonies during the same period.
