Piracy

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Viking invasion (Pierpont Morgan Library MS M.736, folio 9v) crop

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Cotes de la Mer Noire. Cosaques d'Azof abordant un corsaire Turc. (1847)

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A French Ship and Barbary Pirates (c 1615) by Aert Anthoniszoon

Piracy refers to the act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and other valuable items or properties. Those who engage in acts of piracy are called pirates. The earliest documented instances of piracy were in the 14th century BC, when the Sea Peoples, a group of ocean raiders, attacked the ships of the Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations.

History

Piracy has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient times. In the Mediterranean Sea, piracy was significantly present and a major concern for several ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. During the Middle Ages, the Vikings emerged as formidable pirates, raiding the coasts of Europe. The Golden Age of Piracy in the late 17th and early 18th centuries is perhaps the most famous period, where pirates such as Blackbeard and Calico Jack became legendary figures.

Causes

The causes of piracy are varied but often include economic desperation, the weakness of state naval and maritime enforcement, and the lucrative nature of the trade. In some areas, piracy is linked to the lack of stable governance and the availability of suitable ships and seafaring skills.

Modern Piracy

In the 21st century, piracy has seen a resurgence, particularly off the coast of Somalia, in the Strait of Malacca, the Gulf of Guinea, and the Sulu Sea. Modern pirates use small, fast boats to attack and board ships, often taking crews hostage for ransom.

Anti-Piracy Measures

Efforts to combat piracy include patrols by the navies of several nations, the use of private security guards aboard ships, and the application of international law through actions by the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a framework for the repression of piracy under international law.

Impact

The impact of piracy can be significant, including the loss of life, the loss of revenues to shipping companies, increased insurance premiums, and the potential for environmental disaster in cases of tanker hijackings. Piracy also affects coastal communities, sometimes providing them with an economic lifeline, but more often undermining local economies and governance.

In Popular Culture

Piracy has been romanticized in popular culture, depicted in novels like "Treasure Island" and movies such as the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. These portrayals often gloss over the violence and criminality of piracy, instead focusing on adventure and freedom.