According to international law, piracy must take place within the normal jurisdiction of a state to be considered piracy.

Piracy is defined as a private, not political, act.

A common source of piracy in history was the privateer, a privately owned and armed ship commissioned by a government for various purposes.

The “golden age” of piracy occurred in the Mediterranean from 1650 to 1750.

The exploits of legendary pirates like Sir Henry Morgan and Blackbeard inspired romantic and children’s literature.

Piracy declined dramatically in the 19th century.

In the late 20th century, the practice of hijacking ships and airplanes developed into a new form of piracy.