Piracy
Maritime robbery and criminal violence by ship-borne attackers.
Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically intending to steal cargo and valuable goods, or take hostages. Those who conduct acts of piracy are called pirates, and vessels used for piracy are called pirate ships. The earliest documented instances of piracy date to the 14th century BC, when the Sea Peoples attacked the ships of the Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations. Historic examples of areas facilitating pirate attacks include the waters of Gibraltar, the Strait of Malacca, Madagascar, the Gulf of Aden, and the English Channel.
- earliest_documented_instances
- 14th century BC
- earliest_known_pirates
- Sea Peoples
- estimated_worldwide_losses_2023
- US$25 billion
- estimated_worldwide_losses_2004
- US$16 billion
Lore & Background
The earliest documented instances of piracy are the exploits of the Sea People who threatened ships sailing in the Aegean and Mediterranean in the 14th century BC. In classical antiquity, the Phoenicians, Illyrians and Tyrrhenians were known as pirates. In the pre-classical era, the ancient Greeks condoned piracy as a viable profession; it apparently was widespread and 'regarded as an entirely honourable way of making a living'. By the era of Classical Greece, piracy was looked upon as a 'disgrace' to have as a profession. During the 1st century BC, there were pirate states along the Anatolian coast, and Julius Caesar was kidnapped and briefly held by Cilician pirates in 75 BC. The Senate invested the general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus with powers to deal with piracy in 67 BC, and Pompey managed to suppress the threat after three months of naval warfare.
Reader's Guide
Piracy has been a persistent threat throughout history, from the Sea Peoples in the 14th century BC to modern pirates in the 21st century. The term piracy generally refers to maritime piracy, although it has been generalized to refer to acts committed on land, in the air, on computer networks, and in science fiction outer space. Piracy usually excludes crimes committed by the perpetrator on their own vessel as well as privateering, which implies authorization by a state government. The waters between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, off the Somali coast and in the Strait of Malacca and Singapore have frequently been targeted by modern pirates armed with automatic firearms and occasionally explosive weaponry. The international community faces many challenges in bringing modern pirates to justice, as these attacks often occur in international waters.
Did You Know?
- The earliest documented instances of piracy date to the 14th century BC, when the Sea Peoples attacked ships of the Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations.
- The English word 'pirate' is derived from the Latin pirata, which comes from Greek πειρατής (peiratēs), meaning 'brigand'.
- In 75 BC, Julius Caesar was kidnapped and briefly held by Cilician pirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is piracy under criminal law and procedure?
Piracy is the commission of robbery or criminal violence carried out by attackers operating from a ship or boat against another vessel or a coastal zone. The typical objectives include seizing cargo and valuables or detaining hostages.
When does the historical record first document piracy?
The earliest recorded instances trace back to the 14th century BC, when the Sea Peoples launched attacks on the merchant and naval vessels of Aegean and Mediterranean civilizations.
How much economic damage does piracy cause worldwide?
Estimated global losses reached roughly US$25 billion in 2023, up from an estimated US$16 billion in 2004, reflecting a significant increase over that two-decade span.
Which geographic regions have historically been hotspots for pirate attacks?
Notable chokepoints and waters that have facilitated pirate activity include the Strait of Gibraltar, the Strait of Malacca, the waters around Madagascar, and the Gulf of Aden.
What terms are used to describe the perpetrators and their vessels?
Individuals who carry out acts of piracy are referred to as pirates, while the ships or boats they employ to conduct those attacks are called pirate ships.
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