The Brethren of the Coast

The Brethren of the Coast were a loose alliance of pirates, privateers, and smugglers active mainly in the Caribbean during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. They operated outside the law, attacking ships, towns, and trade routes to profit from their activities. Despite their outlaw status, many members maintained codes of camaraderie and ethics, often supporting each other. Their influence shaped piracy’s golden age, and they played a significant role in the region’s history, impacting colonial powers’ control and maritime commerce.