The famous fictional character Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" isn’t possibly unfamiliar to people, especially cinema-goers. But long before this character hit the box office, some real legendary pirates controlled the Caribbean.
Blackbeard Edward Teach
Edward Teach, who got nickname “Blackbeard” due to his long and black beard, is not only one of the characters in the 2011 blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" but also among real legendary pirates ever of the Caribbean. He possessed a 300-ton frigate with 40 guns and often arrested rich ships to build his wealth.
In 1718, Teach and his crew were attacked by experienced naval commander Lieutenant Robert Maynard, who was commissioned by Governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood. As a result, the pirate was killed in the raid.
More than 20 wounds from gunshots and swords were found on his body after his death
Henry Morgan
Henry Morgan, who was born in Wales in 1635, was regarded as the most notorious buccaneer of all time though he was also known for his bravery and leadership. Morgan moved from his mother land to Jamaica to seek fortune and fame when he was a young man.
The pirate earned his wealth, led an army and developed his reputation in campaigns against the Spanish and Dutch by arresting enemy ships and sacking their towns.
Morgan retired peacefully and died in 1688
Black Bart
Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart, established the reputation as one of the most successful pirates in history by capturing almost 500 ships during his career.
Besides, he was notorious for his ruthlessness. In one case, for example, he punished the captain of a slave ship, who refused to pay a ransom, by setting fire to the ship with all of the slaves still inside.
In 1722, Roberts died during a battle with the HMS Swallow
William "Captain" Kidd
The history of piracy witnessed violent attacks of Captain William Kidd, who was born in 1645, and his crew. He even killed his own gunner, William Moore.
In January 1698, Kidd captured a ship that belonged to British East India Company, loaded with gold, silver, silks and other valuables. The pirate was arrested in Boston after traveling to the city with the false promise of clemency for his crimes.
Kidd was sentenced to hang on May 23, 1701
Anne Bonny and Mary Read
Anne Bonny and Mary Read were two typical examples to prove that they could do as well as men did. Anne Bonny, whose husband was Captain John "Calico Jack" Rackham, was well-known for her success as a pirate and her effectiveness in combat though she didn’t command a ship.
In 1720, Bonny and Rackham allowed Mary Read to join their crew. But the fall of the same year, the trio were captured. Rackham was executed while Bonny and Read could keep their lives because they were pregnant.
Read was killed by complications from a fever related to childbird. Anne Bonny was unknown after she escaped from the prison
Francois L'Ollonais
The most bloodthirsty pirate title belonged to French buccaneer Francois L'Ollonais, who was notorious for the manner he treated his prisoners. For instance, L'Ollonais cut out the heart of one of his Spanish captives and started taking bites out of it in front of his other prisoners to imply that he would kill and eat them all if he didn't get the information he wanted.
Some months after the event, he was ironically killed and possibly eaten by a native tribe
Related links:
About the Author:
Mary Rose is currently a lecturer on society. In her free time, Mary is fond of joining social activities. Her goal is to provide up-to-date news and articles on society and culture.
Articles Source: Seven Real Legendary Pirates of the Caribbean
Posted in: History,Pirates
0 comments:
Post a Comment