Treasures Plundered by Pirates in the Old Times
Many people think pirates only attacked Spanish galleons loaded with chests full of gold and silver, making them rich beyond their wildest dreams. It is true that the large treasure ships sailed by the Spanish often carried gold and silver that was mined or plundered in Central America, and taken back to Spain to be minted into doubloons or pieces of eight.
But when pirates attacked their prey, they typically had no idea what goodies were in store. More often than not, pirates plundered cargoes that didn't hold luxurious riches. Though not as exciting as gold, these were also considered treasures for the pirates.
Gold and silver were plundered in their pure form or taken as doubloons or pieces of eight that had been minted in Spain. Silver pieces of eight were sometimes cut into smaller pieces. Precious gem and jewelry, like gold and silver, were great prizes for pirates.
Some ships kept their valuables in treasure chests that were like modern safes. They were usually secured by a padlock or other device, which only temporarily slowed down the pirates from taking the riches inside.
Many other items, such as tobacco, ivory from Africa, olive oil, spices and pottery, were prized by pirates around the world for their value. They could be sold or traded at a port eventually. Food and drink were some of the most basic essentials that pirates plundered from other vessels. When they found drink like wine or rum, they were especially pleased.
Medicine kits were of little monetary value to pirates, but they were an important prize that helped keep the crew healthy. Life on the high seas was rough on pirates, and many of them contracted tropical diseases like yellow fever. Others suffered from serious infections as a result of simple cuts, which would have been easy to heal with modern medicines.
Weapons were crucial to a pirate’s success. Pirates needed large cannons to add to their vessels and personal weapons like pistols, gunpowder and ammunition. The salty ocean air caused pistols to rust out and malfunction, requiring frequent replacement.
Ropes and sails were also targets of pirates, to help keep their ships seaworthy. Everyday maintenance to ropes and sails was crucial and capturing these items enabled pirates to keep plundering with minimal delays.
Even the captured merchant vessel could be a treasure, if a pirate captain liked the looks of it. If the ship seemed like it would make a good pirate ship, the captain might keep it for himself, outfitting it with a crew and adding it to his fleet. Some pirates abandoned their current ship for a captured one, finding it more suitable for their needs.
But when pirates attacked their prey, they typically had no idea what goodies were in store. More often than not, pirates plundered cargoes that didn't hold luxurious riches. Though not as exciting as gold, these were also considered treasures for the pirates.
Gold and silver were plundered in their pure form or taken as doubloons or pieces of eight that had been minted in Spain. Silver pieces of eight were sometimes cut into smaller pieces. Precious gem and jewelry, like gold and silver, were great prizes for pirates.
Some ships kept their valuables in treasure chests that were like modern safes. They were usually secured by a padlock or other device, which only temporarily slowed down the pirates from taking the riches inside.
Many other items, such as tobacco, ivory from Africa, olive oil, spices and pottery, were prized by pirates around the world for their value. They could be sold or traded at a port eventually. Food and drink were some of the most basic essentials that pirates plundered from other vessels. When they found drink like wine or rum, they were especially pleased.
Medicine kits were of little monetary value to pirates, but they were an important prize that helped keep the crew healthy. Life on the high seas was rough on pirates, and many of them contracted tropical diseases like yellow fever. Others suffered from serious infections as a result of simple cuts, which would have been easy to heal with modern medicines.
Weapons were crucial to a pirate’s success. Pirates needed large cannons to add to their vessels and personal weapons like pistols, gunpowder and ammunition. The salty ocean air caused pistols to rust out and malfunction, requiring frequent replacement.
Ropes and sails were also targets of pirates, to help keep their ships seaworthy. Everyday maintenance to ropes and sails was crucial and capturing these items enabled pirates to keep plundering with minimal delays.
Even the captured merchant vessel could be a treasure, if a pirate captain liked the looks of it. If the ship seemed like it would make a good pirate ship, the captain might keep it for himself, outfitting it with a crew and adding it to his fleet. Some pirates abandoned their current ship for a captured one, finding it more suitable for their needs.
Did You Know?
Some pirates, such as Captain William Kidd, were rumored to have buried their treasures. Though this is possible, pirates most likely bartered or sold their prizes or stored them temporarily until they could return for them later.