The Most Famous Pirates in Human History 1. Blackbeard (Edward Teach) Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, is perhaps the most recognizable pirate in history. He terrorized the Caribbean and the eastern coast of North America in the early 18th century. His image — a long, black beard with smoking fuses woven into it, and a multitude of pistols at his belt — was a carefully thought-out tactic of psychological warfare. His flagship was the captured French slave trading ship "Anne Royalle," which he turned into a floating fortress with 40 cannons. His career was short but incredibly bright, ending in a brutal battle with British lieutenant Robert Maynard off the coast of North Carolina in November 1718. 2. Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart) Bartholomew Roberts is considered one of the most successful pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. During his career (1719–1722), he captured over 400 ships. Unlike many others, he was a disciplined and sober man who created a strict code of rules for his crew. His flag, featuring him standing on two skulls with the abbreviation "ABH" (A Barbadian's Head — "The Head of a Barbadian") and "AMH" (A Martinican's Head — "The Head of a Martinican"), demonstrated his revenge on the authorities of these islands. He died in battle with a British warship off the coast of Africa. 3. Henry Morgan Sir Henry Morgan is a paradoxical figure. Essentially a privateer serving the English king, he gained fame for his daring and brutal attacks on Spanish possessions in the Caribbean Sea. His most famous action was the sack and burning of the city of Panama Viejo (Old Panama) in 1671. Despite the fact that he acted during peacetime, which made his actions piracy, he was arrested but later pardoned, received a knighthood, and became the lieutenant governor of Jamaica, where he spent the last years of his life. 4. Edward England Edward England is known mainly for his pirate flag — "Jolly Roger" with the classic symbol: a skull and crossed bones. His career took ... Read more