The English word "pirate" is derived from the Latin pirata ("pirate, corsair, sea robber"), which comes from Greek πειρατής (peiratēs), … 展开

Rewards
Pirates had a system of hierarchy on board their ships determining how captured money was distributed. However, pirates were more 展开

To date, the following identifiable pirate shipwrecks have been discovered:
• Whydah Gally (discovered in 1984), a former slave ship seized on its maiden voyage from Africa by the pirate captain "Black Sam" Bellamy. The wreck was found off the coast of 展开

A wartime activity similar to piracy involves disguised warships called commerce raiders or merchant raiders, which attack enemy shipping commerce, approaching by stealth and then … 展开

Europe
Antiquity
The earliest documented instances of piracy are the exploits of the Sea Peoples who threatened the ships … 展开

A privateer or corsair used similar methods to a pirate, but acted under orders of the state while in possession of a commission or letter of marque and reprisal from a … 展开

Seaborne piracy against transport vessels is a significant issue, with estimated worldwide losses of US$16 billion per year in 2004, increased to US$25 billion over the next 20 years. Waters … 展开