Black Bart, whose real name was Bartholomew Roberts, was one of the most infamous pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy. He terrorized the seas in the early 18th century, capturing over 400 vessels in his lucrative career as a pirate.
Roberts was known for his cunning tactics, often using deception to overpower his enemies. He would hoist false flags to trick ships into surrendering without a fight, then swoop in with his crew to plunder the cargo and valuables on board. His success as a pirate was due in large part to his charismatic leadership and ability to outsmart his opponents.
Despite his ruthless reputation, Black Bart was also known for his strict code of conduct among his crew. He insisted on fair treatment for his men and even drew up a set of “Articles of Agreement” to govern their behavior on board his ship.
Ultimately, Black Bart’s reign as a pirate came to a violent end when he was killed in battle by a British naval squadron in 1722. His legacy lives on as one of the most notorious pirates in history.
Image by isteeves from Flickr.
