Pirates and privateers in the Greek seas: From the Middle Ages to the Greek Revolution 1300-1820

Thanos Kondylis

Piracy in the Greek seas was a timeless phenomenon. From the late Middle Ages, it began to develop and sustained various intensities until the 19th century. During the period 1300-1820, numerous Christian and Muslim pirates and privateers operated in the Greek seas, influencing the Greek Eastern Mediterranean in various ways, especially the islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Furthermore, shipping and overseas trade suffered severe blows.

On the other hand, piracy itself contributed for centuries to the prosperity of several islands. Large sums of money, resulting from the overall piratical activities, greatly supported the local economies and societies, especially those that at times actively and consciously supported the pirates in the Greek Eastern Mediterranean.

This book, among other things, brings to life all forms of piracy, the daily lives of the pirates, and their methods of operation. It also presents the great piratical figures who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the Greek Eastern Mediterranean even up to the present day.