Difference between revisions of "Piracy"
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'''Piracy''' refers to various forms of armed criminal activity at sea, most commonly robbery of ships, either stealing their cargo or the vessels themselves. One who engages in such activity is known as a '''Pirate'''. Pirates who are employed as mercenaries by various nations are known as '''Privateers'''. Piracy has existed since the earliest ages of maritime commerce, from pirate galleys in the Mediterranean sea in the classical world, | '''Piracy''' refers to various forms of armed criminal activity at sea, most commonly robbery of ships, either stealing their cargo or the vessels themselves. One who engages in such activity is known as a '''Pirate'''. Pirates who are employed as mercenaries by various nations are known as '''Privateers'''. Piracy has existed since the earliest ages of maritime commerce, from pirate galleys in the Mediterranean sea in the classical world, pirate junks in Southeast Asia, age of sail piracy in the Caribbean Sea to modern day pirates using speedboats and AK-47s. | ||
The term "piracy" has also come to be associated with the theft of intellectual property in the modern world, especially computer software and entertainment media. | |||
== Real World Pirates == | == Real World Pirates == | ||
*Blackbeard | *Blackbeard | ||
*Somalian coastal pirates | |||
== Piracy in Science Fiction == | == Piracy in Science Fiction == | ||
An | An analogue to conventional piracy exists in many science fiction universes in [[space]]. This is called ''Space Piracy''. Some Space Pirates include... | ||
*The Turanic Raiders from Homeworld | *The Turanic Raiders from [[Homeworld]] | ||
In some [[Fantasy]] and [[Steampunk]] settings another exotic form of pirate exists known as ''Air Pirates'' | In some [[Fantasy]] and [[Steampunk]] settings another exotic form of pirate exists known as ''Air Pirates'' | ||
[[Category: Naval Terminology]] | [[Category: Naval Terminology]] | ||
Revision as of 13:32, 7 April 2011
Piracy refers to various forms of armed criminal activity at sea, most commonly robbery of ships, either stealing their cargo or the vessels themselves. One who engages in such activity is known as a Pirate. Pirates who are employed as mercenaries by various nations are known as Privateers. Piracy has existed since the earliest ages of maritime commerce, from pirate galleys in the Mediterranean sea in the classical world, pirate junks in Southeast Asia, age of sail piracy in the Caribbean Sea to modern day pirates using speedboats and AK-47s.
The term "piracy" has also come to be associated with the theft of intellectual property in the modern world, especially computer software and entertainment media.
Real World Pirates
- Blackbeard
- Somalian coastal pirates
Piracy in Science Fiction
An analogue to conventional piracy exists in many science fiction universes in space. This is called Space Piracy. Some Space Pirates include...
- The Turanic Raiders from Homeworld
In some Fantasy and Steampunk settings another exotic form of pirate exists known as Air Pirates