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A pirate is a person who engages in robbery, pillaging, or plundering at sea. The earliest known pirates are the Sea Peoples (13th century BC), but the classic era of piracy in the Caribbean lasted from about 1560 until the 1720s. Seaborne piracy against transport vessels remains a significant issue, particularly in the waters between the Pacific and Indian oceans. In popular culture, pirates are associated with a stereotypical manner of speaking and dress, as shown in this caricature. This tradition owes much to Robert Newton's portrayal of Long John Silver in the 1950 film Treasure Island. Illustration credit: J.J./Gustavb |
