Caribbean Pirates: The legendary scourge of the Caribbean Sea!
vs
Barbary Corsairs: Brutal mujahedeen of the Mediterranean Sea!
It's a battle between two of the most iconic pirates of the Age of Sail!
Who is... DEADLIEST?
Caribbean Pirates[]
| “ | I’d fire my gun at God! I’d give no quarter to any that fell in my way.
— Richard Taylor, Pirate Captain
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” |
Caribbean Pirates were seaborne armed robbers who either originated, were commissioned, or operated in the West Indies during the Golden Age of Piracy. Made up of a motley group of French buccaneers, English and Dutch privateers, Native Americans and runaway slaves, these pirates raided ships, forts, and coastal cities of various nations throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and even Pacific Oceans. They followed a democratic pirate code to independently govern themselves, and many established various pirate republics and havens in Tortuga, Nassau, and Madagascar. Several of the most famous Caribbean Pirates included Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, Mary Read and Anne Bonny. They are currently one of the most famous pirate groups in pop culture, mythologized in literature, movies, shows and video games.
Weapons[]
- Cutlass: A short, broad, slashing sword that could reach between 28-32 inches. Whatever their lengths, pirate cutlass were noted to be shorter than an average saber for use in close-quarters ship fights. They were also used to settle disputes in duels, and many pirates such as members of Richard Taylor's crew exercised their swordsmanship using wooden swords.
- Flintlock Musket: Pirates used a variety of flintlock muskets of British and French designs, as well as a unique firearm known as the "buccaneer gun", which had a longer barrel and more square stock. The flintlock mechanism was favored for its reliability in sea battles, and pirates used them to snipe off fort sentries or assassinate enemy officers in sea battles.
- Flintlock Pistol: For short range engagements, pirates carried with them a pistol of similar flintlock design, often as many as 2-4, strapped in their slings or belts. To increase the reload speed of their muskets and pistols, they also carried paper catridges that already had a pre-measured amount of powder, wadding, and ball.
- Grenado: A throwable weapon made up of hollow iron cylinders filled with gunpowder and projectiles, and topped with a wick. Once lit and thrown, it exploded, sending metallic shards at enemies around it. Pirates were recorded to utilize grenados during boarding, throwing several of the bombs to clear enemies off the deck, and to kill those who decided to barricade themselves inside the cabin or below deck.
Ships[]
- Frigate: Some of the most legendary pirate ships in history, such as the Satisfaction, Fancy, Queen Anne's Revenge, and Royal Fortune, were frigates. Used for operations outside of the Caribbean, pirate frigates were 70 to 100 feet long with 2 masts. They were armed with broadside cannons and swivel guns that could number as many as 40-50. Though rarer, some pirate frigates also had bow chasers to damage fleeing ships, and sometimes coehorns, which were small mortars. Caribbean Pirates typically modify their frigates by removing unnecessary accessories, installments, and even decks to lighten them up, allowing them to chase down prey and flee from men-o-wars more effectively.
- Sloop: The most common type of ship used by the Caribbean Pirates. They were smaller and shallower than frigates in order to traverse the shoals of the West Indies. Sloops were typically small, having only 1 mast and lengths of about 60 feet. They were armed with swivels and a few larger cannons, numbering 14 guns. Its smaller size did have another advantage. When faced with weak winds, the Caribbean Pirates could easily bring out oars/sweeps to row the ship.
Tactics[]
- Hit and Run: Speed was essential to the Caribbean Pirates, which they used to both chase down prey and escape enemy vessels. If forced to fight, Carribean Pirates used speed to get as close as possible to their target while keeping out of its line of sight. Once in range, they fired either round shot or chain shot, oftentimes at the masts of an enemy ship to disable it in water. Caribbean Pirates also used swivel guns to fire scatter shot to clean a vessel's deck of personnel. By this point, with the target suppressed, the Caribbean Pirates either board it or leave. This tactic was present in battles such as the Battle of Perico and the Naval Blockade of Charles Town.
- The tactic was used to great effect during the Capture of the Great Mughal Fleet on September 7, 1695. A pirate fleet led by Henry Every attacked a 25-ship convoy belonging to the Mughal Empire at the Straight of Mandeb. The convoy had just finished a pilgrimage to Mecca, led by the 62-gun warship named Gunsway, and the 94-gun warship Fateh Muhammad. The Caribbean Pirates faced formidable resistance, including the death of veteran pirate Thomas Tew. But Every used the speed of his frigate, Fancy, to dodge enemy fire before finally closing the gap. He first captured the Fateh Muhammad, before duelling the Gunsway. Several broadsides by Every took down the Gunsway's mast and blow up its cannons, finally putting the ship out of action.
Barbary Corsairs[]
| “ | You are free to go if your king can swim.
— Hayreddin Barbarossa, Corsair Admiral
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” |
Barbary Corsairs were Muslim pirates and privateers from the North African coast who terrorized European shipping and coastal settlements from the 16th to the 19th centuries. A major participant of the Arab slave trade, Barbary Corsair attacked with the aim of kidnapping people for enslavement. In times of war, the Barbary Corsairs served as a naval auxiliary of the Ottoman Empire. They became so powerful that they established semi-independent "barbary states" in areas such as Sale, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli; demanding tributes from European nations in exchange for not attacking them. Although mostly operating in the Mediterranean, the Barbary Corsairs managed to conduct raids in the English Channel, and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Their power eventually declined through U.S. conflicts and increased European naval power. Throughout the years, their history was remembered in various forms of media, including the classical book Robinson Crusoe.
Weapons[]
- Scimitar: A curved single-edged saber popular in many Muslim countries, with lengths of about 33-40 inches. Some Ottoman models were doubled-edged around the tip to increase cutting power. Various manuals and techniques had been established in the proper use of the scimitar on foot. A martial arts instructor by the name of Daniel Sammut stated of how Turks would also use their scabbard as a defensive weapon in conjunction with the scimitar.
- Matchlock Musket: The standard-issue main weapon used by the Ottoman Empire, as well as the Barbary States. The Jannissaries who accompanied the Barbary Corsairs in battle were highly trained with the weapon, capable of shooting between 2 rounds per minute. Although the slow-burning match of the matchlock musket made it vulnerable to water, it was typical for soldiers of that era to carry several dry matches with them.
- Recurve Bow: Possibly the main ranged weapon of the Barbary Corsair, favored even by the Barbary admiral Hayreddin Barbarossa, based on one of his painting. The composite or recurve bow was made up of a wooden core and layers of sinew laminated onto the back, and an animal horn on the belly. It was shorter than an average British longbow but its tips were curved to provide maximum damage; creating a draw weight of 65 pounds on average and range of 450 yards.
- Incendiaries: Barbary Corsairs were recorded to have used incendiary weapons in sea battles, managing to burn down enemy vessels even with the use of small galleys. While detailed information about them are lacking, based on survivor testimonies, these weapons were pots filled with flammable materials (possibly a combination of gunpowder, brimstone, and oil) that once thrown, created "wildfire" that was difficult to quench.
Ships[]
- Xebec: One of the most favored ship used by the Barbary Corsair, combining both European and Muslim designs. In times of war, they served as a premier corsair warship. Although still smaller than European warships, they had 3 masts and 18 oars to increase its speed, especially in calmer waters. The Barbary Corsair typically armed their xebecs with broadside cannons ranging from 15 to 30+ guns. This ship design allowed the corsairs to venture to Portugal, Ireland and beyond, raiding coastal towns and chasing down enemy vessels, such as the capture of the Boston schooner, Maria.
- Galley: The most used and possibly the most famous ship employed by the Barbary Corsairs. Oared galleys had long, narrow hulls and shallow drafts, with 1 mast and as many as 20-30 oars. For offense, these ships had 1-2 bow cannons that could not be aimed, but could fire both round shot and grape shot. Built like carriers, galleys could carry as many as 200 men (both enslaved rowers and warriors) for boarding. However, most were open and uncovered, leaving its occupants vulnerable. Another feature that made it deadly was that its use of numerous oars, which made it quick even in very calm waters.
Tactics[]
- Envelopment: During naval engagements, Barbary Corsairs surrounded their targets, and like a vice, closed in for boarding. When approaching enemy vessels, they used cannons, muskets, and bows to provide suppressing fire. Once converged, they climb up the target, and shoot and hack their way through. If resistance proved too much, they used their incendiary devises to burn down the enemy vessel instead, before retreating. The tactic was said to be present at the Battle of Preveza.
- Another prime example was the Attack on the Dolphin on January 12, 1617. A large merchant vessel named the Dolphin was on its way to London when it was swarmed by five Barbary Corsair ships. Although they outnumbered the Dolphin, the ship was armed with nineteen heavy guns and nine antipersonnel “murderers", as well as several firearms. The Dolphin fought back ferociously, taking out two of the corsair ships. However, the remaining Barbary Corsairs managed to close the distance and actually sandwich the Dolphin in between. Although they attempted to board it, continued stiff resistance forced the Barbary Corsairs to use incendiary weapons on the vessel. The Barbary Corsairs then promptly left the Dolphin to burn.
X-Factors[]
Training
Most Caribbean Pirates had professional fighting background, being veterans in wars from the Anglo-Dutch War all the way to the Wars of Spanish Succession. Individuals like William Dampier and Samuel Bellamy were former Royal Navy sailors, Henry Every and Edward Thatch were experienced privateers, and those like Stede Bonnet were trained militiamen. Some men under William Dampier and Bartholomew Roberts were former professional soldiers. And it was common for Native American warriors to be Caribbean Pirates as well. Different backgrounds meant varying skills; French buccaneers were excellent marksman who mastered shooting a coin in the air, while English privateers constantly practiced firing cannons while out at sea.
However, the training and skills of Barbary Corsairs had more formality and standardization, both in terms of sailing and fighting. The arrival of Jack Ward and other renegados gave way to the establishment of a corsair academy in Tunis, which educated Turkish sailors on navigation and naval warfare. These renegados were formerly European sailors or privateers who either joined or were enslaved by the Barbary Corsairs. Being Ottoman allies, it was customary for Janissaries (the Ottoman Empire's most elite soldiers) to be aboard corsair ships to bolster fighting effectiveness. Such discipline was probably why its rare that Barbary Corsairs were trapped and captured by authorities due to intoxication, unlike the Caribbean Pirates.
Experience
The Golden Age of the Caribbean Pirates lasted from 1650 to 1730, divided into three periods, with each generation accomplishing great feats against Spain, France, Great Britain, Netherlands, Mughal Empire, and several African and Native American nations. During the buccaneering period, Caribbean Pirates pillaged eighteen Spanish cities, four towns, and possibly forty villages. When the pirate round was established, Caribbean Pirates conducted some of the greatest heists in criminal history, including the attack on the Nossa Senhora de Cabo, where Caribbean Pirates stole diamonds and other treasures worth 400 million dollars today. Finally, by the time of the Pirate Republic in Nassau, the West Indies became witness to several grand pirate battles, such as the 1715 Salvage Camp Raid, Naval Blockade of Charleston, and the Battle of Cape Fear River.
On the other hand, the Barbary Corsairs fought in more wars against more numerous nations, and established more independent states, since they lasted for three centuries (1516 to 1830). They fought mostly Italians and Spanish, but also Great Britain, France, Portugal, Iceland, and the territories of the Knight Hospitallers - an order of highly-trained knight-privateer hybrid, which originated from the Crusades. As auxiliaries and irregulars of the Ottoman Empire, the Barbary Corsairs participated in several conflicts such as the Spanish-Ottoman War, Ottoman-Venetian War, and the Italian Wars, being at the forefront of epic engagements such as the Battle of Lepanto, Battle of Preveza, Great Siege of Malta, and the Sack of Baltimore. It wasn't until conflict with the faraway United States of America where the Barbary Corsairs were finally checked and eventually destroyed.
Brutality
Caribbean Pirates were noted in history for their violence, most evident through their raids, torture, rape, slavery, and acts that nearly bordered on genocide, further motivated by religion and politics besides money. Francois I'Olannais, Charles Vane, and Richard Taylor were believed by some historians to be either deranged or sociopathic. During Henry Morgan's capture of Panama, his buccaneers tortured male captives by tying their genitals and hoisting them up. That being said, Caribbean Pirates began to mellow down by the early 18th century. Stede Bonnet, the "Gentleman Pirate", became renowned for his politeness. Even Blackbeard was noted by historians for having zero casualties during his robberies.
The Barbary Corsairs, on the other hand, did all of these but in a larger scale, due to attacking areas that were more populous than the West Indies. Compared to the Caribbean Pirates, they seldom let their victims go, preferring to either enslave or kill. And the atrocities they had done were embedded into the history of the nation's they attacked. Their capture of Lundy Island was said to have nearly depopulated the area. At the Sack of Vieste, the Barbary Corsairs were said to have beheaded over 5,000 people. During the Raid on Naples, Hayreddin Barbarossa captured so many slaves that it actually affected the slave trade economy. Finally, during the so-called Turkish Abductions in Iceland, there was a record of a woman and her baby being thrown into a fire and speared repeatedly by Barbary Corsairs.
Notes[]
- The battle will take place in neutral waters. It will be strictly a naval battle between the two groups without any outside interference.
- It will be a 5 vs 5 naval battle. The Caribbean Pirates will have 2 frigates and 3 sloops, while the Barbary Corsairs will have 2 xebecs and 3 galleys.