We will explore sea pirates in early history, then focus on the "Golden Age of piracy" (from the late 1600s to about 1730). Finally, we will talk about how pirates have changed over the centuries and the threats they still pose to today's maritime commerce. You will find out what the life of a pirate on the high seas was really like, and we will highlight some famous pirates such as Blackbeard, “Calico Jack” Rackham, Captain (Henry) Morgan, and Captain Kidd. We will also talk about women in piracy and government-sponsored pirates and will conclude by discussing the most successful pirate of all--not who you think. NOTE: suggested reading: 1. Under the Black Flag, by David Cordingly. 2. Pirates: Terror On the High Seas From the Caribbean to the South China Sea, ed. David Cordingly 3. Pirates: Scourge of the Seas, by John Reeve Carpenter.
