
18th century piracy
Eighteenth-century piracy was a prominent part of maritime history, involving pirates attacking ships for loot, primarily in the Caribbean, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean. Pirate crews were often organized and operated outside the law, capturing valuable cargo and sometimes taking hostages. This era, known as the "Golden Age of Piracy," was driven by economic hardship, naval conflicts, and the lucrative nature of maritime trade. Pirate legends like Blackbeard symbolize the daring and violence of this period. Authorities attempted to suppress piracy through naval patrols and legal action, but it persisted as a formidable challenge to maritime security.