Historical backgrounds
Piracy in the Indian Ocean (late 17th to mid 18th century)
Between the late 17th and mid-18th century, the Indian Ocean became a center of global trade and power conflicts. European states such as England, France, the Netherlands and Portugal competed for access to the rich trade goods of Asia – in particular spices, precious stones, textiles and later also slaves. These conflicts offered pirates ideal conditions: poorly protected trade routes, little-controlled coasts and colonial power struggles.
After the decline of piracy in the Caribbean, many pirates moved their activities to the Indian Ocean. There they used islands such as Madagascar, Mauritius and Réunion as retreats, supply stations and trading posts. At times, some pirates lived in close contact with the local population and traded themselves – including with slaves.
At the same time, European trading companies such as the British and Dutch East India Companies expanded their power. They established bases and colonies along important coasts, which not only brought them economic advantages but also military control. This development led to pirates being increasingly fought and driven out of the region.
Piracy in the Indian Ocean was closely linked to colonialism, global trade and slavery. By the middle of the 18th century, its importance had declined sharply – not least due to the growing military presence of the European colonial powers.
This page is intended to shed light on various historical aspects of the age of piracy in the Indian Ocean.
All articles Backgrounds
(Click on image or title to see the article.)
WHO WERE THE PIRATES? from Marina Carter
Who were these wild lads, some of whom decided to spread fear and terror on the world’s oceans at a very young age?
WHAT DOES THE WORD “PIRATE” MEAN? from Marina Carter
Corsair, pirate or privateer. What are the differences between these terms? We explain.
THE LOOK OF PIRATES by Marina Carter
Our image of pirates is often shaped by romanticized books and films. But what did they really look like?
All articles Cryptogram
The cipher that has been sprouting the fantasies of many people in all its aspects for 90 years.
All articles La Buse
The life and work of the most famous French pirate of the 18th century.