Blackbeard's Flag

Blackbeard’s flag was a distinctive pirate symbol featuring a skeleton holding a scythe and sometimes a heart, often with a ghostly or threatening appearance. Its purpose was psychological—designed to intimidate enemies and signal that the pirates were dangerous and unafraid. The imagery of death and horror was meant to strike fear without violence, encouraging ships to surrender without a fight. Blackbeard used this flag on his ships to establish his fearsome reputation during the Golden Age of piracy in the early 18th century.