Piracy was a form of crime and disruption common from the 1400s to the 1800s, committed by pirates. Pirates were people who chose to live on the oceans of the world with the goal of looting or destroying opposing ships and finding lost treasure such as gold or diamonds. Some pirates would kill those who stood in their way while others found other ways to put their victims to use. They wore tattoos and earrings. People who chose this practice were hunted down by naval fleets and executed for treason, sedition, and other acts.
Examples of pirates include Mac the Black and his men, Long John Silver, and Captain Hook.