Corsairs

Corsairs were privateers and pirates, mainly active between the 16th and 19th centuries, who operated mainly in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Caribbean. They were often authorized by their governments through letters of marque, allowing them to attack enemy ships legally, blending piracy with national military efforts. Corsairs targeted commercial vessels for loot, disrupting trade and asserting naval dominance. While some viewed them as enemies of peace, others saw them as patriotic fighters or entrepreneurs. Their activities contributed significantly to maritime history, influencing naval tactics, international relations, and the development of modern privateering and naval warfare.