Pirate Ships
What is the main body of a pirate ship called?
Hull
What short, curved sword was a favorite weapon for close combat boarding?
Cutlass
What system did pirates often use to share captured goods?
A system of shares.
Which pirate, known for his distinctive flag, operated extensively in the Caribbean?
Blackbeard.
What geographical feature made many pirate havens difficult for large naval ships to access?
Shallow waters or hidden coves/harbors.
Beyond cannons, name one other weapon commonly found on a pirate ship's deck.
Cutlass, pistol, musket, or grenades.
Besides navigation, what was a common use for a spyglass?
Signaling or observing targets without being seen.
What was a common punishment for breaking the pirate code?
Marooning or execution.
What was the real first name of the pirate known as "Calico" Jack?
John.
Besides safety, what key economic activity happened in pirate havens?
Selling stolen goods (fencing) and buying supplies.
Why was "careening" a ship essential for pirates?
To clean and repair the hull below the waterline, removing barnacles and preventing leaks.
What position on the ship was crucial for maintaining order and enforcing the pirate code?
The Quartermaster.
Why might a sailor from a merchant ship choose to join a pirate crew?
Better treatment, more freedom, or the potential for greater wealth (shares of plunder).
Which female pirate sometimes disguised herself as a man?
Mary Read.
Name a famous pirate haven in the Caribbean.
Port Royal, Tortuga, or Nassau.
What was the primary purpose of the crow's nest?
To spot other ships or land from a distance.
What simple tool helped pirates measure water depth?
Lead line (or sounding line).
What was the role of the quartermaster on a pirate ship?
To represent the crew's interests, distribute plunder, and sometimes enforce discipline.
What pirate captain was known for capturing hundreds of ships?
Bartholomew Roberts.
Why were pirate havens often located near major trade routes?
To easily intercept merchant vessels.
What type of flag was most famously associated with pirate ships?
The Jolly Roger (skull and crossbones).
Name a type of early firearm pirates used, despite its slow reloading time.
Musket or pistol.
Besides combat, what was a major cause of death for pirates at sea?
Disease or accidents.
Which former privateer became a prominent pirate in the early 18th century?
Henry Morgan (though he was more buccaneer/privateer, his name is prominent) or perhaps Blackbeard (started as privateer)
What role did corrupt officials sometimes play in pirate havens?
They might accept bribes or ignore pirate activities for personal gain.