The pirate life was n’t all about inhume treasure and parrots on shoulders — they also prevail the waves , looted merchant ship and shine awe into intact nations . During the Golden Age of piracy , few plagiarizer could escape the watchful eyes of the Royal Navy or the bounty - athirst pirate Orion , but some managed to build lasting fable .

From plundering Spanish ships to terrorizing the Caribbean Sea , these unpitying andfamous piratesbecame house epithet .

1. Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard

Perhaps the most far-famed literary pirate of them all , Edward Teach — better get laid as Blackbeard — instill fear across the Caribbean Sea and the U.S. coast . His flagship , Queen Anne ’s Revenge , was a former Gallic slave ship become heavily armed plagiariser ship .

Despite his fearsome reputation , the Royal Navy ultimately defeated him .

2. Captain Henry Morgan

Captain Henry Morgan attacked Spanish port and plundered Spanish ship with ruthless efficiency . Although venerate for his brutality , he was by and by knighted and became the Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica . His effort inspired the swashbuckling legends that influenced " Pirates of the Caribbean . "

3. Anne Bonny

One of the few female literary pirate in recorded history , Anne Bonny defied expectations and take to the mellow seas . She fought alongside other buccaneer , let in her devotee Calico Jack . Captured by the Royal Navy , her fortune remains a mystery , but her legacy as a tearing and self-governing pirate ship endures .

4. John Rackham, aka Calico Jack

Famed for designing the classic buccaneer flag ( the Jolly Roger ) Calico Jack was a pirate captain who ruled the Caribbean Sea . He commanded his ship and had two women — Anne Bonny and Mary Read — in his crew .

5. Mary Read

A female pirate who disguise herself as a human beings , Mary Read sailed alongside Anne Bonny and Calico Jack . She had a cutthroat biliousness and impressive combat skills , holding her own against other pirates .

6. Bartholomew Roberts, aka Black Bart

One of the most successful pirates of all prison term , Black Bart supposedly capture over 400 merchant ship during his sovereignty of panic . He was a ruthless pirate who thrived in the Golden Age of piracy and require his own ship with an Fe grip . His portion ran out when the Royal Navy kill him .

7. William Kidd, aka Captain Kidd

Originally commissioned as a pirate hunting watch , Captain Kidd wrick to piracy himself . He attacked merchandiser ships and Spanish fleet vessels , pile up majuscule wealth before being bewitch . His execution in London remains one of the most notable pirate trials in history .

8. François l’Olonnais

An super barbarous French buccaneer , François l’Olonnais bust Spanish port and slaughtered enamor pirates and sailor alike . He was a ruthless pirate who terrorized the Spanish fleet and became a legend among other pirates .

9. Charles Vane

A fierce and ill-affected pirate captain , Charles Vane refuse to accept a pardon and continue raid Spanish ships and merchandiser vessel . However , after being marooned by his crew , he was later get and hanged .

10. Stede Bonnet

Nicknamed the " Gentleman Pirate , " Stede Bonnet was an unusual pirate who abandoned his affluent life to embrace plagiarism . His story became one of the most strange story of the geological era .

11. Edward Low

dread for his pitilessness , Edward Low was a ruthless literary pirate who torment entrance plagiarist and prisoner . He roamed the Atlantic , prey on merchant ships and leaving a bloody lead behind him . His fate is uncertain , but some accounts suggest that Portuguese authorities hanged him .

12. Christopher Condent

A pirate who managed to retire in wealth , Christopher Condent was one of the few pirates who invalidate execution . He terrorise Spanish ships and captured a valuable treasure ship before settle down in France . His tale remain unique among ill-famed pirates , as most met far grisly destruction .

We created this clause in connective with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor program .

Human skull with toy model of cannon and pirate hat