1716

Pirate Edward Teach the "Blackbeard" raids shipping in the Caribbean beginning in 1716 and running for two years. Blackbeard often fought with, or simply showed himself wearing, multiple swords, knives, and pistols, and was notorious for weaving hemp and lighted matches into his enormous black beard during battle. This image, which he cultivated, has made him the premier image of the seafaring pirate. - The Caribbean