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Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) | Golden Age of Piracy (1650–1730)

Ahoy and welcome to the highly anticipated Season 4 premiere of Reel History! We’re back with another 10-episode season, releasing biweekly on Thursdays. Beyond our usual eps you’ll find bonus discussions delving deeper into these topics on the Reel History Patreon – thank you to our Patrons for bringing this season to life! Join now and get immediate access to over a dozen bonus episodes for as little as three doubloons a month: https://www.patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast

In this episode, we set sail on a thrilling adventure as we explore the Golden Age of Piracy through the lens of the iconic film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003). As the crew gathers in the studio, the excitement is palpable, and the rum is flowing.

Of course piracy isn’t something new or unique to the Caribbean, so we start with a brief history of ancient piracy – did you know the Latin word for the Irish basically means pirate? We explain the problem with privateers and sort out what the heck a buccaneer is before getting into the push and pull factors that led to a massive rise in piracy in the Caribbean during the 17th century. Learn how the coming of peace makes for idle hands, and how those hands tend to pick up muskets!

We delve into key figures such as Vane, Bellamy, Edward Teach (Blackbeard), Hornigold, and Jennings, providing listeners with an intimate look at the pirates who shaped this era. The narrative sails through the highs and lows of the Pirate Republic, with a focus on what led to its eventual decline. The retaking of Nassau is dissected, unraveling the events that marked the end of the pirate haven. And of course we can’t leave you without getting into the intriguing concept of the Pirate Code, including the infamous “right of parlay.” Are they guidelines or what?

Join us for this swashbuckling voyage, where fact and fiction entwine to reveal the fascinating truths behind the Pirates of the Caribbean and the Golden Age of Piracy.