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The fascinating world of pirates: From secret treasures to modern influences
In this unique volume, we delve into the dazzling and often misunderstood world of pirates, a culture marked as much by adventurousness as brutality. From history's most infamous pirate captains to the unexpected ways pirate culture remains alive in popular culture today, this book offers a profound and often surprising perspective.
Have you ever wondered why pirates really wore eye patches? Or why "Jolly Roger" was the preferred name for the black pirate flag with the skull and crossbones symbol? Discover incredible facts, such as the bizarre connection between pirates and parrots that emerged for the most amazing reasons, or the extraordinary story of the pirate William Kidd, whose supposed treasure still fascinates many treasure hunters.
The modern world may be a far cry from the era of sailing ships and the 17th century Caribbean, but the influences of piracy are still ever-present. Do you recognize the influence of pirates in fashion through designers like Vivienne Westwood? Or were you aware of the renaissance of the corset, often associated with pirate brides? And who would have thought that singing Sea Shanties, the traditional sea shanties, would become a trend on TikTok in 2021?
But the world of pirates is not limited to stories and folklore. The modern image of pirates still influences music, film, and even our everyday clothing. From "pirate metal" - yes, that's a real music genre - to memorable characters in movies like Captain Jack Sparrow and the quirky pirate portrayals in literature and film.
This book is not only a deep dive into history, but also a reflection of modern culture, showing how the image of the pirate lives on as a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and adventure. A must-read for anyone who loves the sea, mystery, and a boundless fascination with the unknown.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
Table of Contents
1. the beginnings of piracy
From the Vikings to the Middle Ages
The Golden Age of Piracy
2. pirate identities
Quirky nicknames and their origins
Secret identities and double lives
Female pirates and their stories
The youngest child pirates
3. buccaneer fashion & accessories
Why the extravagant hats?
Earrings, talismans and other jewelry
4. the pirate ship: myths and truths
Unusual ship names and their stories
Types of pirate ships and their places of operation
Typical and atypical ship equipment
Navigation methods: maps, stars and superstitions
Curious rituals and customs on board
5. daily life & curiosities on the high seas
Roles and hierarchies on board
Incredible diets and favorite foods
Music, games and entertainment at sea
Unexpected pets and companions
6. fights & confrontations
Strange and inexplicable strategies
Amazing weapons of the pirates
The greatest battles in the history of piracy
Encounters with navy and enemy pirates
7. treasures, loots & hidden places
Pirate economy: how they really made money
The most incredible treasure finds
The strangest objects ever stolen
8. the code: rules & seaman's honor
Unexpected rules and unusual penalties
Curious alliances and treaties between pirates
9. end & demise of famous pirates
The most unusual causes of death of pirates
Whimsical last words and wills
10. pirates & supernatural legends
Inexplicable stories and myths on the high seas
Pirate curses: Flying Dutchman and other legends
11. pirates in the modern age
Today's pirates and their approach
Pirate inspirations in music and fashion
Amazing facts about the buccaneers of the seas
Mia Mirillia
From the Vikings to the Middle Ages, piracy was a constant threat and at the same time a fascinating phenomenon on the seas. This era has produced many curious stories and facts that will amaze both young people and adults.
The Vikings, who are often falsely portrayed as horned barbarians, were in fact experienced sailors, traders and explorers. Their raids were not only for plunder, but also to find new areas to settle. But it is the unexpected and often overlooked details that make this era so fascinating.
One of the most famous Vikings, Erik the Red, was banished from Norway and later from Iceland for various offenses, including murder. Rather than admit defeat, he used his banishment to travel further west, eventually founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland.
Although the Vikings were known for their brutal efficiency, it was not uncommon for them to also perform bizarre ritual dances and chants to invoke gods such as Odin or Thor and ask for blessings and protection before a sea voyage or raid.
Some Vikings who were pirates avoided raiding monasteries in England - not out of respect for Christianity, but because they believed the blind monks might give them an evil eye and bring disaster upon them.
The first known "pirate ships" of the Middle Ages were not imposing galleons or schooners, but often converted merchant vessels optimized for quick raids and escapes. These ships could be surprisingly maneuverable, making them perfect tools for pirates raiding richly laden merchant vessels.
Although pirates in the Middle Ages were often considered outlaws, many of them followed a strict code of honor. The division of booty was often a serious matter, with each pirate receiving a certain share based on his rank and contribution to the raid. A captain often received only twice that of a regular crew member, unlike in the royal fleets where a captain received much more.
The origin of the word "pirate" is itself a mystery. It is believed that it comes from the Latin "pirata", which means "buccaneer". But the Greeks also had a similar word, "peirates", which means "someone who attacks".
The Vikings were not the only pirates of the Middle Ages. The Mediterranean was a melting pot of pirate cultures, including the notorious barbarians from North Africa who raided Italian coastal towns and kidnapped European sailors as slaves.
Looting of monasteries and churches has survived from the Middle Ages, involving not only gold and jewels but also frankincense and myrrh, which fetched high prices in Arab countries. This shows that the pirates did not only focus on obvious treasures, but robbed everything that had value on the international markets.
The history of piracy is full of such unexpected and often overlooked details. It shows that pirates, though often portrayed as outlaws and raiders, were in fact complex and multi-layered characters driven by a mixture of adventure, desperation, and opportunity.
The Golden Age of Piracy roughly spanned from the 1650s to the 1730s and was a time when piracy flourished. During this time, however, there were many unexpected events, backgrounds, and developments that are often overshadowed by the more famous stories of Blackbeard and Captain Kidd.
While most of us have the image of a pirate with a parrot on his shoulder, the real pet of many pirates was the turtle. In the Caribbean, pirates often caught turtles and kept them aboard their ships as a living food source. The animals could survive for weeks without food and provided fresh meat for the pirates at sea.
One reason for the increase in piracy during the Golden Age was the War of the Spanish Succession, which lasted from 1701 to 1714. After the war ended, many English and French privateers who had operated as legitimate pirates during the war suddenly found themselves without legal support. Many of these seamen then turned to piracy to earn a living.
Another, lesser-known, instigator of piracy was the practice of "impressment" by the British Royal Navy. This often involved men being forced into naval service against their will. To escape this forced recruitment, many men turned to piracy, where they led dangerous lives but were at least free from forced recruitment.
Pirates were not always the aggressive raiders they are often portrayed as. In fact, many pirates tried to make their raids as bloodless as possible. If a target was abandoned without a fight, the crew was often treated mercifully. This was in contrast to the Royal Navy and other national navies, which often imposed harsh penalties on abandoned pirates.
Port Royal in Jamaica was once known as "the most depraved city in the world" and a notorious pirate port. But in 1692, the city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Many saw this as divine retribution for the city's sinful deeds.
A surprising detail about the pirates of this time is that many of them actually had contracts that regulated the division of booty and behavior on board. These contracts also specified the penalties for offenses such as playing cards on board or lighting fires without permission.