Piracy
A pirate is a robber attacking from a ship or boat. Pirates usually attack other vessels, usually with the intention of looting their cargo, but may also attack targets on shore. They were termed buccaneers if they operated in the West Indies.
A privateer is similiar in method, but has a commission or a letter of marque from a government or king to capture merchant ships belonging to an enemy nation. The famous Barbary Corsairs of the Mediterranean were privateers as were the Maltese Corsairs, who were authorized by the Knights of St. John. The letter of marque was recognized by international law and meant that a privateer could not be charged with piracy, although this was often not enough to save them.
Notable pirates
- Edward Teach, Blackbeard
- Captain William Kidd
- Henry Morgan
- Woodes Rogers
- Ching Shih
- Black Bart
- Black Bellamy
Fictional Pirates
Notable privateers
Apparently unrelated