75 Incredible Pirates Facts

We’ve created this list of 75 fun facts about Pirates for your enjoyment and for you to share with friends!

Includes 50 fun facts about Pirates plus 25 fun facts about Pirates especially for kids.

What Are Pirates?
Pirates Facts 1-25
Pirates Facts 25-50
Pirates Facts for Kids 1-25
What are the Types of Pirates?
Who are the Most Famous Pirates?
What Did Pirates Eat?

Pirates Facts – What Are Pirates?

Pirates are individuals who engage in acts of robbery or violence at sea. They are typically associated with the Golden Age of Piracy, which occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries, although piracy has existed throughout history in various forms.

Pirates operate on the high seas and coastal waterways, using fast and agile ships to prey on other vessels, typically merchant ships or other seafaring vessels. They may use force or the threat of force to intimidate their targets into surrendering their cargo or valuables.

While piracy is often romanticized in popular culture, it is a dangerous and illegal activity that can result in serious harm to those involved, as well as to innocent victims caught in the crossfire.

Pirates Facts 1-25

Here are 25 fun facts about Pirates:

The word “pirate” comes from the Latin “pirata,” meaning “sea robber.”
Pirates have been around for thousands of years, with the first recorded instances of piracy dating back to ancient Greece.
Pirates often flew the Jolly Roger flag, which featured a skull and crossbones and was intended to intimidate their targets.
Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, was one of the most notorious pirates of all time. He had a long black beard that he would light on fire during battles to strike fear into his enemies.
Pirates would often wear eye patches not because they had lost an eye, but because it allowed them to switch quickly between darkness below deck and bright sunlight on deck.
Pirates were known for their love of rum, which they believed had medicinal properties and could cure ailments such as scurvy.
The Caribbean was a popular location for pirates in the 17th and 18th centuries due to its many islands, hidden coves, and warm waters.
The most successful pirate of all time was a Chinese pirate named Ching Shih, who commanded a fleet of over 300 ships and 40,000 pirates.
Pirates were not all men; there were also many female pirates, such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
Pirates often buried their treasure, but there is little evidence that this was a common practice.
Captain Kidd, who was hanged for piracy in 1701, is said to have buried treasure worth millions of dollars somewhere in the Caribbean, but it has never been found.
Many pirates had a code of conduct that they followed, which included rules about sharing treasure, not stealing from each other, and electing their own leaders.
Pirates were often subject to harsh punishments if caught, including hanging or being marooned on a deserted island.
The skull and crossbones symbol used by pirates is also known as the “Jolly Roger,” which comes from the French “jolie rouge,” meaning “pretty red.” This is because the original flag was a red flag with a white skull and crossbones.
Some pirates would use parrots as pets, but this is mostly a myth perpetuated by popular culture.
The deadliest pirate in history is believed to be Zheng Yi Sao, a female pirate who commanded a fleet of up to 1,800 ships and 80,000 pirates.
Pirates often used pseudonyms or aliases to conceal their true identities.
Pirates were known for their distinctive clothing, which often included bandanas, sashes, and brightly colored coats.
Pirates would often force their prisoners to walk the plank, although there is little evidence that this was a common practice.
Pirates were often depicted as having a peg leg or a hook for a hand, but this is largely a myth.
Some pirates would wear gold earrings, which they believed would improve their eyesight.
The life of a pirate was often brutal and short, with many pirates dying young due to violence, disease, or accidents at sea.
Pirates would often attack ships in fleets, using multiple vessels to overwhelm their targets.
Pirates were known for their fierce independence and their hatred of authority.
The pirate flag was not always a skull and crossbones; some pirates used other symbols, such as a red flag or a black flag with a white skeleton.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Pirates!

Pirates Facts 26-50

Here are 25 more fun facts about Pirates:

Pirates often spoke in a distinctive dialect that was a mix of English, Spanish, and other languages.
Some pirates would wear a leather belt with multiple blades attached to it, known as a “baldrick.”
Pirates would often make their own weapons, such as cutlasses, pistols, and muskets.
Pirates would often attack at night, using the cover of darkness to surprise their targets.
Many pirates were former sailors or navy men who had turned to piracy due to poor pay and working conditions.
Pirates would often board their targets by firing grappling hooks onto the other ship and pulling themselves across.
Pirates would often drink rum, which they believed had medicinal properties and could cure all kinds of ailments.
Pirates were often skilled navigators and would use the stars to navigate at night.
Pirates would often capture ships without firing a shot by using intimidation tactics, such as boarding with a large crew and loud shouting.
Pirates would often operate in areas where naval forces were weak or absent, such as the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea.
Some pirates were known for their acts of charity, such as distributing captured goods to the poor or freeing slaves.
Pirates often had a hierarchy, with the captain at the top and the lowest-ranking crew members at the bottom.
Pirates were often subject to superstitions, such as the belief that whistling on board ship would summon strong winds.
Pirates would often use disguises or false flags to approach their targets undetected.
Some pirates were known for their cruelty and sadism, such as the infamous Black Bart Roberts.
Pirates often had a reputation for being skilled fighters, but they were also known for their ability to negotiate and bargain.
Pirates were often skilled at repairing and maintaining their ships, which they relied on for survival.
Some pirates were known for their distinctive tattoos, which were often symbols of their allegiance or status.
Pirates often had to contend with hostile weather conditions, such as storms and hurricanes.
Pirates would often engage in acts of piracy for years without ever being caught or punished.
Many pirate crews were multi-ethnic and included people from all over the world.
Some pirates were known for their intelligence and strategic thinking, such as the famous pirate Henry Morgan.
Pirates would often have specialized roles on board, such as navigators, gunners, and cooks.
Pirates were often seen as rebels and outlaws by the authorities, but they were also admired by some people for their independence and daring.
Piracy continues to be a problem in some parts of the world today, particularly off the coast of Somalia and in the South China Sea.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Pirates!

Pirates Facts for Kids 1-25

Here are 25 fun facts about Pirates that kinds might enjoy!

Pirates were known to bury treasure on deserted islands or hidden locations.
Pirates often had parrots as pets, which they would teach to talk and mimic human speech.
Pirates would often wear eye patches, not because they had lost an eye, but to help them adjust their vision to the dark below deck.
Pirates would often wear bandanas or hats to protect themselves from the sun.
Pirates would often wear earrings, which they believed had a protective effect against seasickness.
Pirates would often sing shanties, or sea songs, to pass the time on long voyages.
Pirates would often cook meals on deck using a large pot or cauldron.
Pirates would often drink rum, which they believed had medicinal properties and could cure all kinds of ailments.
Pirates would often use cannonballs as weapons, but they would also use things like knives, pistols, and cutlasses.
Pirates would often have a “Jolly Roger” flag, which was a skull and crossbones symbol that they would fly to indicate that they were pirates.
Pirates would often board ships by swinging from ropes or ladders.
Pirates would often have tattoos, which were often symbols of their allegiance or status.
Pirates would often have nicknames, such as Blackbeard, Calico Jack, or Captain Kidd.
Pirates would often have long beards or braided hair, which they believed gave them a fierce appearance.
Pirates would often wear boots or shoes with high heels to help them keep their footing on deck.
Pirates would often have a code of conduct, known as the “Pirate’s Code,” which governed their behavior and interactions with each other.
Pirates would often hide in coves or inlets to avoid detection by the authorities.
Pirates would often use telescopes to spy on their targets from a distance.
Pirates would often have a lookout posted in the crow’s nest to watch for other ships or obstacles.
Pirates would often have a medical officer on board, who would treat injuries and illnesses using herbal remedies.
Pirates would often capture ships by sending a small boat with a few crew members to sneak aboard and take control.
Pirates would often make their own weapons and tools, such as cutlasses and grappling hooks.
Pirates would often bury their treasure in secret locations and leave clues for others to find.
Pirates would often have a musician on board to play music and entertain the crew.
Pirates would often have a flag officer on board, who was responsible for navigating the ship and making sure it stayed on course.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Pirates!

Pirates Facts – What are the Types of Pirates?

There were several types of pirates throughout history. In addition to the fun facts about Pirates, here are some of the most common types:

Privateers: These were pirates who were authorized by a government to attack enemy ships during times of war. Privateers were given a “letter of marque” that allowed them to operate legally.
Buccaneers: These were pirates who operated in the Caribbean during the 17th century. They were known for attacking Spanish ships and colonies.
Corsairs: These were pirates who operated in the Mediterranean during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were primarily Muslim pirates who attacked European ships and coastal towns.
River pirates: These were pirates who operated on rivers, such as the Mississippi and the Yangtze. They would attack boats and barges that were carrying goods.
Barbary pirates: These were pirates who operated along the coast of North Africa during the 16th to 19th centuries. They were known for attacking ships in the Mediterranean and capturing European slaves.
Pirate hunters: These were individuals or groups who were hired to capture or kill pirates. They would often operate on behalf of a government or merchant company.
Modern pirates: These are pirates who operate in the present day, often in the waters off the coast of Somalia or in the South China Sea. They typically target commercial ships and oil tankers, and demand ransom for the release of the crew and cargo.

Pirates Facts – Who are the Most Famous Pirates?

There were many famous pirates throughout history, so in addition to the fun facts about Pirates, here are some of the most well-known:

Blackbeard (Edward Teach): One of the most famous pirates of all time, Blackbeard operated in the Caribbean and off the coast of North America during the early 18th century. He was known for his long black beard and fearsome appearance, and he captured many ships during his career as a pirate.
Anne Bonny and Mary Read: These two female pirates operated in the Caribbean during the early 18th century. They were known for their bravery and fighting skills, and they dressed as men to blend in with the crew.
William Kidd (Captain Kidd): Kidd was a Scottish pirate who operated in the Caribbean and off the coast of North America during the late 17th century. He was initially hired by the British government to attack French ships, but he later turned to piracy and was eventually captured and executed.
Henry Morgan: Morgan was a Welsh pirate who operated in the Caribbean during the late 17th century. He was known for attacking Spanish ships and colonies, and he was eventually knighted by the British government for his efforts.
Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart): Roberts was a Welsh pirate who operated in the Caribbean and off the coast of West Africa during the early 18th century. He was known for his successful attacks on ships, and he captured over 400 vessels during his career as a pirate.
Captain Kidd’s Treasure: The legend of Captain Kidd’s treasure is one of the most famous pirate stories in history. According to legend, Kidd buried a large treasure on an island in the Caribbean, but it was never found.
Calico Jack (John Rackham): Rackham was an English pirate who operated in the Caribbean during the early 18th century. He was known for his flamboyant dress and for having two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, as members of his crew.

These are just a few examples of the many famous pirates in history.

What Did Pirates Eat?

Pirates often had to rely on the food that was available to them on their ships, and their diet was often limited and basic. In addition to the fun facts about Pirates, here are some common foods that pirates ate:

Hardtack: This was a type of biscuit that was made from flour, water, and salt. It was very hard and dry, and could last for a long time without spoiling.
Salted meat: Pirates would often eat salted beef, pork, or fish, which could also last for a long time without spoiling.
Fresh fruit and vegetables: While at sea, pirates had limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which were essential for preventing scurvy. They would often stock up on citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, which were high in Vitamin C.
Grains and legumes: Pirates would often eat beans, lentils, and rice, which were easy to store and could be cooked in a variety of ways.
Rum: While not a food, rum was a staple of pirate life and was often used to preserve food and as a form of currency.
Foraged food: When pirates came ashore, they would often forage for food, such as coconuts, bananas, and other tropical fruits.
Plundered food: Pirates would often capture other ships and take whatever food they could find on board, such as cheese, bread, and wine.

Pirates had to be resourceful and make do with whatever food was available to them. They often faced challenges with food scarcity and spoilage, which could make their diet even more limited and difficult to maintain.

What Did Pirates do for Fun?

Pirates spent a lot of time at sea, and they had to find ways to entertain themselves during the long stretches of boredom between raids. In addition to the fun facts about Pirates, here are some activities that pirates would do for fun:

Gambling: Pirates would often play card games, dice games, and other games of chance to pass the time.
Music: Pirates would often sing and play musical instruments, such as the fiddle or accordion, to entertain themselves and their crewmates.
Storytelling: Pirates would tell stories of their adventures, or spin tales of mythical creatures and lost treasures to pass the time.
Drinking: While not necessarily a “fun” activity, drinking was a common pastime for pirates, and rum was often used as a form of currency.
Sports: Pirates would sometimes engage in physical activities, such as wrestling, boxing, or playing games like tug-of-war.
Pranks: Pirates would often play practical jokes on each other to break up the monotony of life at sea.
Reading: While access to books was limited, pirates would often read whatever they could get their hands on, such as religious texts, adventure stories, and almanacs.

Pirates had to find ways to entertain themselves with limited resources and in a confined space. They often relied on their creativity and camaraderie to make the most of their time at sea.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Pirates!