The Pirate History Podcast
A podcast about the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean, the real men and women that threatened the trade and stability of the Old World empires, the forces that led them to piracy and the myths and stories they inspired. Famous names like Captain Henry Morgan, Henry Avery, Charles Vane, Mary Reed, Anne Bonny, Black Bart Roberts, Ned Low, and Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach will rub elbows with Queens, Kings, Popes, rebellious monks, Caribbean Natives, African Slaves and notorious governors like Woodes Rogers. History, high seas adventure, myth and magic, voodoo, treachery, biography and freedom await.
Latest episodes
Oct 10, 2018 • 1h 12min
Episode 89 - Death & Destiny
Sir Anthony Shirley was an English nobleman turned soldier turned privateer turned (or at least accused of being a) pirate. But then his affairs ran afoul of that English Arch-Pirate John Ward. Ward was back on the prowl, and his next exploit would create even larger ripples than the capture of Reniera e Soderina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 30, 2018 • 49min
Episode 88 - Diabolical Designs
We're talking about two new pirates on today's episode. Somehow I turn that conversation into one of class bias, historical accuracy, and 400 year old international conspiracy theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 26, 2018 • 55min
Episode 87 - That Perfidious Pirate
Jack Ward sets out on his first cruises from Tunis into the Mediterranean. His successes mirror those of Barbarossa or Francis Drake. And then he happens upon a ship that will make him infamous the world over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 18, 2018 • 55min
Episode 86 - Wicked Purposes
Today we discuss how a pirate might have talked in 1600, and then we follow John Ward to Algiers where he gained a famous reputation and influenced a famous name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 11, 2018 • 47min
Episode 85 - Anarchy In The Maghreb
The Maghreb was a fertile location for outright piracy at the turn of the 17th century. No national, monarchical, or imperial power held sway there thanks to mutiny, revolution, and what some have called anarchist sensibilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 31, 2018 • 54min
Episode 84 - The Thieves' Path
The first decade of the 17th century saw an explosion of Mediterranean piracy that was unlike anything the world had ever seen. Today we will introduce the first of these pirates and discuss the culture of privateering and piracy that led to a sea change in how violence on the sea was conducted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 26, 2018 • 1h
Episode 83 - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Amsterdam
Our story today bridges three different stories. The Sephardi Jews that made their way to Amsterdam, the Barbary Corsairs, and the Dutch in revolt all meet in today's story thanks to one mariner who was a pirate, a diplomat, a merchant, and a spy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 23, 2018 • 59min
Episode 82 - The Drawn Sword of Islam
In the wake of the death of Barbarossa a number of corsairs vied for his position, but only one commander commanded the respect of the men, the trust of the Sultan, and the love of the late Khizr. Turgut Reis became known in Europe as Dragut. On Barbary he was called The Drawn Sword of Islam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 14, 2018 • 59min
Episode 81 - From What Seas Are Ye Come?
The aftermath of Preveza was contentious, but Barbarossa and his closest allies worked to secure Ottoman hegemony in the Mediterranean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 1, 2018 • 1h 5min
Episode 80 - Scourge of Christendom
The defeat at Tunis was a major blow to Barbarossa, but he would retaliate with a scourge of piracy that dwarfed any that had come before. The Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor had to answer his challenge and did so in the last great sea battle fought with oars and galleys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
