Ep 13. Pirates as Explorers

The Real History of Pirates season 1 episode 13 explores the idea of pirates as explorers. Unlike the popular perception of pirates as solely rapacious plunderers, the show reveals that many pirates were actually skilled navigators and cartographers. They used their superior knowledge of the seas to navigate treacherous waters and locate uncharted territories.

The episode begins by tracing the origins of piracy in the Caribbean. As European nations began their colonial expansion, the Spanish established a trade monopoly in the New World. To enforce their monopoly, they employed a massive fleet of warships to intercept any interlopers. However, this presented an opportunity for enterprising sailors, who began to prey on Spanish galleons, particularly ones carrying treasure from the mines in Mexico and Peru. These sailors, who were later called pirates, soon became a major threat to Spanish commerce.

As the New World was explored, many pirates became explorers themselves. They used their knowledge of the seas to map the coastlines and identify islands and coves that could serve as hideouts. These maps were often crude, but they were still valuable to other pirates who followed in their wake. Many of these maps have survived to this day and provide a rare glimpse into the world of pirates.

The show highlights the stories of several famous pirates who also functioned as explorers. One of them is William Dampier, an English pirate who sailed with many different crews and eventually became an explorer in his own right. He took part in several voyages to the Pacific and wrote detailed accounts of the flora, fauna, and inhabitants he encountered. His book, A New Voyage Round the World, was a bestseller and influenced many other explorers.

Another famous pirate-explorer is Henry Morgan, who is best known for his raid on Panama City in 1671. However, he also explored much of Central America and established several settlements. He was appointed governor of Jamaica and used his knowledge of the region to expand British influence. Many of the forts and buildings he constructed still stand to this day.

The episode also explores the darker side of piracy as exploration. Pirates often engaged in enslavement and genocide, as they saw indigenous people as valuable commodities or threats to their operations. In particular, the show focuses on the story of Bartholomew Roberts, a Welsh pirate who terrorized the West African coast. Roberts captured hundreds of slave ships and brutally murdered the crews. He also participated in the slave trade himself, selling captives to markets in the Caribbean and South America.

Despite this, pirates played an important role in the history of exploration. Their knowledge of the seas and their willingness to take risks opened up new territories and expanded the world's knowledge. The show concludes by pointing out that many famous explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Francis Drake, were also pirates at one point in their careers.

Overall, The Real History of Pirates season 1 episode 13 is a fascinating exploration of how pirates contributed to the world of exploration. It highlights both their heroic and villainous deeds, providing a well-rounded view of these infamous characters. The show is sure to captivate viewers who are interested in history, adventure, and exploration.