The "Golden Age" of Piracy - A Quick Introduction for Kids

What is a "Pirate"?

The word "pirate" refers to any person who attacks and robs ships at sea. Some of the earliest pirates existed all the way back in Ancient Greece where piracy was considered a noble profession. And some of the most famous pirates from history were the Vikings (whose name literally translates as "pirate" or "raider").

But these aren't the pirates I know...

No, probably not. On seeing the word "pirate", most people will think about the "Golden Age" of Piracy (from 1650 to 1720). In this era, pirates sailed in masted ships, flying a flag adorned with a skull & cross bones, whilst likely wearing a tri-corner hat and an eye-patch, with a peg-leg or a hook to replace a missing limb.

The "Golden Age" is the era that most people are referring to when they talk about "pirates" - made famous through modern day stories like Treasure Island and the Pirates of the Caribbean.

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Further Reading:

• Pirate Ships - Quick Facts for Kids

• 4 Famous Pirates You Need to Know at KS2