Are you interested in learning the truth behind the lore and legends of pirates?
So far, our research leads us to believe they were very unsavory characters. Many of them were destitute homeless drunkards, tricked into service by unscrupulous captains. Captains were often commissioned privateers, hired by a monarchy. They were tasked with traveling to the New World in an effort to acquire slaves, tabacco, spices, gold, silver, copper and jewels. On average, forty percent of the crew would die during the voyage, so captains would vigorously solicit more sailors then needed. The men were housed in cramped quarters overrun with lice, roaches and rats. Most suffered from ailments like dysentery, malaria, dehydration, alcoholism and scurvy. The supply of fresh water stored in wood barrels – would turn green and putrid after only a few days at sea. The only protein source came from salt-cured meat (similar to beef jerky). Often the meat would spoil and become maggot-ridden. As sailors perished, their clothing, hats, boots and jewelry would be auctioned off to the remaining crew. Elaborately adorned, embroidered or colorful items were the most desired- which accounts for what we regard today as pirate fashion. Crews were enticed by the promise of high-seas adventure, high wages
and salary advances that were almost always reneged. The disenchanted, naive, and mostly illiterate crews often organized and revolted. They would take over ships and murder captains in what would come to be known as mutinies. This gave rise to the occurrence of rogue stolen ships, captained by charismatic criminals…
