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Rogue History

What Pop Culture Gets Wrong About Pirates

Season 1 Episode 1

Stories of pirates are hugely popular but what do we really know about the history of piracy? Let’s explore common assumptions about pirates and figure out which ones are true and which are myths.

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Season
Spy Balloons Have A Longer, Weirder History Than You Think
10:17
A year into the Civil War, the Union Army unveiled their secret weapon: spy balloons.
The Truth About Hunting for Pirate Treasure
9:50
One pirate’s tale of buried treasure led to generations of treasure hunting.
The Obscure History of Japanese Sea Lords
9:29
Sea Lords were as vital to medieval Japan as samurai, so why were they called “pirates?”
Why Did the U.S. Go to War with These Pirates?
9:12
Though often overlooked, the Barbary pirates played a huge role in U.S. and world history.
Why Did Pirates Eat That? (feat. Tasting History)
9:22
When fresh food ran out, pirates found creative ways to survive long weeks at sea.
Did Pirates Really Sing Sea Shanties? It’s Complicated
8:36
This is what pirate music actually sounded like.
Anne Bonny to Zheng Yi Sao: The Notorious Women of Piracy
8:20
Explore the incredible and unsung stories of history’s most notorious women pirates.
Black Caesar: The Pirate with a Thousand Faces
8:04
Here’s why so many pirates of African descent share the name “Black Caesar.”
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