Ahoy there! Are you looking to learn some fun facts about pirates? Join us on this adventure as we explore the top 10 facts about pirates. From the origins of the pirate lifestyle to the legacy they have left behind, we’ll learn all there is to know about these notorious seafarers. So grab your sea-faring hat and let’s set sail!

1. Pirates have been around since ancient times, with records of them going back to at least the 1400s.

Piracy has been a part of human history since ancient times. Records of pirate activity date back to at least the 1400s, with some evidence of even earlier piracy.

Pirates have operated in many different parts of the world and have been involved in a variety of activities, including stealing goods and ships, attacking merchant vessels and coastal settlements.

They have existed in many different forms, from small groups of individuals to large organised groups. The reasons why pirates have existed throughout history is usually down to opportunity, greed, and a desire for freedom and adventure.

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2. Pirates were most active during the Golden Age of Piracy, which lasted from about 1650 to 1720.

The Golden Age of Piracy was a period of time between 1650 and 1720 where piracy was at its peak.

A large number of pirate ships operated all over the world, from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.

During this period, piracy was practiced by a large number of sailors who had become unemployed or were looking for new opportunities.

This period of piracy saw large-scale attacks on merchant ships, which often resulted in the capture of valuable cargo.

As a result, pirates became notorious for their brutality and greed during this period, making it one of the most notorious periods in maritime history.

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3. Pirates were known for their daring raids, often attacking merchant ships and stealing their cargo.

Pirates were notorious for their bold and daring raids, often targeting merchant vessels and stealing their cargo.

This was common in the 16th and 17th centuries, when many merchant ships were sailing the seas without good protection.

Pirates would take advantage of the lack of security on the vessels and board them to take their valuable items, such as precious metals and jewels.

The stolen cargo would then be sold for a profit, making piracy an attractive career for many seafarers.

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4. Pirates fought each other, often forming alliances and even entire fleets.

Piracy was an extremely competitive business.

Pirates would often join forces with one another, forming alliances and fleets, in order to increase their chances of success and maximise their profits.

These fleets could become quite powerful. By working together, pirates could also share resources and knowledge, allowing them to become more skilled and successful.

Check out Sean’s Ships to learn all about trade!

5. Pirates often flew the Jolly Roger, a black flag with a white skull and crossbones, to warn their victims of their presence.

The Jolly Roger was a symbol used by pirates to communicate their presence to their victims.

By flying the Jolly Roger, pirates were signalling to their potential victims that they were there and that they should surrender without a fight.

The black flag with a white skull and crossbones was designed to inspire fear in those who saw it, and to let them know that they had no chance against the pirates.

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6. Pirates had their own code of conduct, which included things like sharing the loot and punishing people who had done wrong.

Since pirates were a crew of criminals, they created a code of conduct to keep order and ensure that everyone got a fair share of the loot they stole.

This code of conduct often included things like sharing the loot equally among members, punishing any member who disobeyed the code, and respecting the captain’s authority.

7. Pirates were known for their flamboyant dress sense.

Pirates were notorious for their outrageous and flamboyant style of dress.

Pirates often made a point of wearing bright colours, flashy jewellery, and highly-ornamented hats.

This fashion statement was a way for pirates to demonstrate their success, wealth, and power.

Find out why pirates had eye patches!

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8. Pirates could be found all over the world, from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.

Pirates were known to sail the world’s oceans and seas in search of treasure and other valuable goods.

The Caribbean and the Indian Ocean were two of the most popular areas for pirate activity, as these waters were known to be rich with resources and trade routes.

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9. Piracy was a very dangerous profession, with many pirates being killed in battle or for their crimes.

Piracy was a dangerous profession because pirates would often engage in battles with other ships and the authorities in an attempt to steal their cargo.

Pirates also faced the risk of being captured and punished for their crimes.

Many pirates were killed in sea battles or executed for their crimes, making piracy very risky.

10. Pirates are often romanticised in stories and films.

They have been given a larger-than-life status in stories and films, where they are often portrayed as swashbuckling adventurers!

This has created a romanticised version of the pirate life – which might not be exactly how life was as as a pirate…

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