Watch The Real History of Pirates

The Real History of Pirates is a fascinating educational series from The Great Courses Signature Collection that delves into the world of piracy, exploring its origins, the lives of real pirates who terrorized the seas, and the historical context that shaped their actions. This series brings together some of the foremost experts in the field to discuss and analyze the stories that have fascinated and captivated people for centuries.

The series is divided into twenty-four lectures, with each lecture focusing on a different aspect of piracy. The very first lecture provides an overview of piracy, its various forms throughout history, and the ways in which it has been romanticized in popular culture. Throughout the series, the viewer is taken on a journey through time, exploring the early pirates who plagued the Mediterranean and the Barbary Coast, the notorious pirates of the Caribbean, and the lesser-known pirate groups that roamed the coasts of Asia and Africa.

The series takes a comprehensive approach to the subject, examining not only the lives and actions of individual pirates but also the social, economic, and political contexts in which they lived. The viewer is presented with a detailed examination of the world of piracy, exploring the motivations of the pirates themselves, the factors that led to the rise of piracy, and the various governments and entities that sought to suppress it.

One of the most interesting aspects of the series is the way it debunks many of the myths and legends surrounding piracy. The viewer is presented with a clear picture of what piracy was really like -- the violence, the disease, the poverty -- and the harsh realities that many pirates faced on a daily basis. The series also explores the economic and social underpinnings of piracy, revealing the ways in which it was intertwined with global trade and imperialism.

The series is filled with fascinating stories of individual pirates, such as Captain Kidd, Blackbeard, and Anne Bonny, whose lives and exploits have become legendary. But it also focuses on the larger social and historical context that shaped their actions. The viewer comes away with a deep understanding of the economic and political factors that led to the rise of piracy, as well as its impact on global history.

Throughout the series, the viewer is presented with a wealth of primary sources, including accounts from pirates themselves, historical records, and literary works that have shaped our cultural understanding of piracy. This provides a rich and nuanced perspective on the subject, allowing the viewer to see piracy from multiple angles.

The Real History of Pirates is a highly engaging and informative series that is perfect for anyone with an interest in history, piracy, or adventure. It is presented in an accessible and entertaining format, with engaging graphics and animations that bring the world of piracy to life. The series is sure to inspire further exploration of the subject and leave viewers with a deep appreciation for one of history's most fascinating and enduring phenomena.

The Real History of Pirates is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between May 21, 2021 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection