Jean Fleury

Jean Fleury was a French privateer and early explorer of the 16th century, known for his daring raids during the Age of Sail. He is notably credited with capturing Spanish ships carrying valuable cargo, including gold and silver, around 1522. Fleury's most significant achievement was capturing two Spanish galleons, which reportedly carried the first European accounts of the Aztec and Inca civilizations. His actions helped expand European knowledge of the New World and challenged Spanish maritime dominance, paving the way for future explorers and the growth of piracy and naval warfare in the Atlantic.