An oft-overlooked explorer who traversed the globe, driven by his thirst for scientific discovery—and a love of piracy.

The history of piracy illustrates a surprising connection to democratic Utopian radicalism—and, of course, stolen treasure.

Magellan’s voyage in search of the “Spice Islands” was marked by storms, sharks, and scurvy—plus multiple attempts at mutiny.

Examining the 18th-century social contract of Captain Bartholomew Roberts and his men shows just how organized and codified pirate societies could be.

Learn more about Cheng I Sao, a female pirate who dominated the coast of the Kwangtung Province between 1795-1810.

Maybe you've never heard of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, but they were real-life women pirates who cross-dressed to get on ships.

Saint Malo has sheltered scoundrels and villains for much of its history, including pirates, cod smugglers, and even Nazis.

The political science behind pirates.