[A]
In the first and second millennia BCE, pirates sailed around
the Mediterranean, attacking ships and avoiding pursuers
When one mentions pirates, an image springs to most people's minds of a crew of misfits,
daredevils and adventurers in command of a tall sailing ship in the Caribbean Sea. Yet from
the first to the third millennium BCE, thousands of years before these swashbucklers began
spreading fear across the Caribbean, pirates prowled the Mediterranean, raiding merchant
ships and threatening vital trade routes. However, despite all efforts and the might of
various ancient states, piracy could not be stopped. The situation remained unchanged for
thousands of years. Only when the pirates directly threatened the interests of ancient Rome
did the Roman Republic organise a massive fleet to eliminate piracy. Under the command of
the Roman general Pompey, Rome eradicated piracy, transforming the Mediterranean into
'Mare Nostrum' (Our Sea).
[B]
Although piracy in the Mediterranean is first recorded in ancient Egypt during the reign
of Pharaoh Amenhotepр III (с 1390–1353 ВСE), it is reasonable to assume it predated this
powerful civilisation. This is partly due to the great importance the Mediterranean held at
this time, and partly due to its geography. While the Mediterranean region is predominantly
fertile, some parts are rugged and hilly, even mountainous. In the ancient times, the
inhabitants of these areas relied heavily on marine resources, including fish and salt. Most
had their own boats, possessed good seafaring skills, and unsurpassed knowledge of the
local coastline and sailing routes. Thus, it is not surprising that during hardships, these men
turned to piracy. Geography itself further benefited the pirates, with the numerous coves
along the coast providing places for them to hide their boats and strike undetected. Before
the invention of ocean-going caravels in the 15th century, ships could not easily cross long
distances over open water. Thus, in the ancient world most were restricted to a few wellknown navigable routes that followed the coastline. Caught in a trap, a slow merchant ship
laden with goods had no other option but to surrender. In addition, knowledge of the local
area helped the pirates to avoid retaliation once a state fleet arrived.
[C]
One should also add that it was not unknown in the first and second millennia BCE for
governments to resort to pirates' services, especially during wartime, employing their
skills and numbers against their opponents. A pirate fleet would serve in the first wave of
attack, preparing the way for the navy. Some of the regions were known for providing safe
harbours to pirates, who, in return, boosted the local economy.
[D]
The first known record of a named group of Mediterranean pirates, made during the rule of
ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten (c 1353–1336 ВСЕ), was in the Amarna Letters. These
were extracts of diplomatic correspondence between the pharaoh and his allies, and covered
many pressing issues, including piracy. It seems the pharaoh was troubled by two distinct
pirate groups, the Lukka and the Sherden. Despite the Egyptian fleet's best efforts, the pirates
continued to cause substantial disruption to regional commerce. In the letters, the king of
Alashiya (modern Cyprus) rejected Akhenaten's claims of a connection with the Lukka
(based in modern-day Turkey). The king assured Akhenaten he was prepared to punish any
of his subjects involved in piracy.
[E]
The ancient Greek world's experience of piracy was different from that of Egyptian rulers.
While Egypt’s power was land-based, the ancient Greeks relied on the Mediterranean in
almost all aspects of life, from trade to warfare. Interestingly, in his works the lliad and
the Odyssey, the ancient Greek writer Homer not only condones, but praises the lifestyle
and actions of pirates. The opinion remained unchanged in the following centuries. The
ancient Greek historian Thucydides, for instance, glorified pirates' daring attacks on ships
or even cities. For Greeks, piracy was a part of everyday life. Even high-ranking members
of the state were not beyond engaging in such activities. According to the Greek orator
Demosthenes, in 355 BCE, Athenian ambassadors made a detour from their official travel
to capture a ship sailing from Egypt, taking the wealth found onboard for themselves!
The Greeks' liberal approach towards piracy does not mean they always tolerated it,
but attempts to curtail piracy were hampered by the large number of pirates operating in
the Mediterranean.
[F]
The rising power of ancient Rome required the Roman Republic to deal with piracy in the
Mediterranean. While piracy was a serious issue for the Republic, Rome profited greatly
from its existence. Pirate raids provided a steady source of slaves, essential for Rome's
agriculture and mining industries. But this arrangement could work only while the pirates left
Roman interests alone. Pirate attacks on grain ships, which were essential to Roman citizens,
led to angry voices in the Senate, demanding punishment of the culprits. Rome, however, did
nothing, further encouraging piracy. By the 1st century BCE, emboldened pirates kidnapped
prominent Roman dignitaries, asking for a large ransom to be paid. Their most famous
hostage was none other than Julius Caesar, captured in 75 BСЕ.
[G]
By now, Rome was well aware that pirates had outlived their usefulness. The time had
come for concerted action. In 67 BCE, a new law granted Pompey vast funds to combat the
Mediterranean menace. Taking personal command, Pompey divided the entire Mediterranean
into 13 districts, assigning a fleet and commander to each. After cleansing one district of
pirates, the fleet would join another in the next district. The process continued until the
entire Mediterranean was free of pirates. Although thousands of pirates died at the hands of
Pompey's troops, as a long-term solution to the problem, many more were offered land in
fertile areas located far from the sea. Instead of a maritime menace, Rome got productive
farmers that further boosted its economy.