Piracy

Noun

pi·​ra·​cy | \ ˈpī-rə-sē \plural piracies

Definition of piracy:

1: an act of robbery on the high seas

Many of us are aware what piracy is, but what makes it memorable compared to common thievery? 

The history of piracy is very deep, as deep as the ocean (cue eye-rolls). Throughout history, the seas and oceans have largely been a target for wealth. Often ships were used to transport large amounts of goods and wealth, so in practicality it makes sense for the robbers who would wait on roads and trails would also move to the high seas- it was more profitable.

The colonization of the Americas and the West Indies saw large vessels of British, Spanish, French, Dutch in great numbers. Paired with the large amounts of ships needed in this area, as well as the small scattered islands that offered safe havens for privateers, piracy easily saw growth in the region. Eventually becoming labelled as the Golden Age of Piracy, this period from 1650-1730 saw the most amount of piracy.

Several pirates have become famous globally, even some household names:

• Anne Bonny
• Mary Read
• Calico Jack
• Blackbeard
• William Kidd
• and many more.

Although piracy has declined in the region, why is it sill relevant and how has this act of thievery profited the region today?