BETA
Chapter 1
Pirate democracy and codes
Chapter 2
Daily life and global hubs
Chapter 3
Myths versus reality of pirate gear
Chapter 4
Privateers and the end of the golden age
YOUR GOAL
Master of The golden age of pirates
Ch 3 · Myths versus reality of pirate gear
misslily Pirate gear myths
Wax on the hoops! (Oh-oh!) / Save your ears when the cannon shoots! (Yeah-yeah!)
misslily The iconic pirate flag was not always black, and a red flag signaled that no mercy would be shown.
misslily Pirates used wax and cotton earplugs to protect their hearing from the thunderous blasts of shipboard cannons.
Fun Fact
Eye patch science: Pirates wore eye patches to keep one eye permanently adjusted to the pitch-black decks below.
Glossary
cutlass (noun)
A short, curved sword with a single-edged blade. Seamen in the late seventeenth century favored this short blade because long rapiers easily tangled in rigging.
A short, curved sword with a single-edged blade. Seamen in the late seventeenth century favored this short blade because long rapiers easily tangled in rigging.
Quiz
Which short, curved sword was the preferred weapon for pirates in close-quarters combat?