The so-called “Golden Age of Piracy” didn’t actually last that long—just shy of a century, from 1648 to around 1723. It all kicked off when European powers, fresh from the Treaty of Westphalia, decided to outsource their sea battles to privateers. These weren’t your typical scallywags; they were government-approved pirates...
From wild tales of hidden treasures to notorious ship raids, pirates have captured our imaginations for centuries. These maritime marauders have become legendary figures in history and pop culture. But beyond the Hollywood glamor and exaggerated tales, the world of pirates was filled with codes, unique traditions, and incredible characters....