Ready to unravel the secrets behind notorious pirates? Dive in as we separate the tall tales from the remarkable truths!
They used false flags to deceive potential targets.
Fact.
Hoisting a friendly or neutral flag was a common tactic to get close before revealing their true intention.
Pirates never had stable bases on land.
Myth.
Some operated from strongholds in places like Tortuga or Nassau, using these pirate havens as resupply points.
They rarely took hostages for ransom.
Myth.
Hostage-taking was a lucrative pirate strategy. Wealthy or influential captives could be traded for gold, supplies, or pardons.
They introduced the practice of ear piercing at sea.
Fact.
Many sailors (including pirates) believed a gold earring could fund a proper burial if their body washed ashore. It also served as a sign of seafaring experience.
They never cooperated with each other if they weren’t on the same crew.
Myth.
Pirate captains sometimes formed temporary alliances to raid heavily guarded targets or to share intelligence.
Pirates always used cannons in battles.
Myth.
Cannons were common, but boarding and hand-to-hand combat were often preferred to avoid damaging valuable cargo or ships.
They had knowledge of basic medicine and surgery aboard.
Fact.
Some pirate ships carried a surgeon or had a crew member with medical skills to treat injuries, scurvy, and infections.
Pirate ships were filled with diseased and starving men.
Myth.
While disease and malnutrition were risks for all sailors, pirates often kept better rations (and morale) than naval ships, since their survival depended on a healthy crew.
