Seafaring words
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In each Swashbuckler book, you'll find a list of words and terms used by 18th century sailors and pirates in the Mediterranean. Here are some terms you might need to use this website:
Admiral: The most senior commanding officer of a Navy. An Admiral may be in command of a fleet and hoist his pennant in a flagship. An admiral in the Ottoman fleet was titled Kapudan Pasha. Barbary Coast: The North African states of Tunis, Tripoli and Algiers, which by 1798 were part of the Muslim Ottoman Empire. These cities supported fleets of corsairs to attack the ships of Christian countries such as France, Spain and England, just as the Knights of Malta galleys attacked those of the Barbary States. Booty: Loot such as cargo, weapons and any treasure or goods found on a ship. Ships taken by pirates were usually sold off, and the proceeds included in the booty. Every pirate in the crew (or their family, if the pirate had died in the battle) was given a share. Corsair: A pirate licensed to attack other ships, like those of the Barbary States, or sailing from Malta under the protection of the Knights. There's more information on corsairs and privateers here. Knights of Malta: The Sovereign and Military Order of the Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. There's more information on the Knights here. Letters of Marque: Officially known as “Letters of Marque and Reprisal”, this was an official government letter authorising a captain to “subdue, seize and take armed” any ships owned by countries who were enemies. It was government-approved piracy. Privateer: English and American corsairs like Sir Francis Drake were usually called “privateers” and they carried Letters of Marque to prove they were allowed to attack other ships. There's more information on corsairs and privateers here. Ottoman Empire: One of the largest and longest-lasting empires ever to rule the around the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it rose out of Turkey and existed from 1281 to 1923. At its greatest, it ruled an area of nearly 12 million square kilometres. From 1517, when it conquered Palestine and Egypt, and the Holy City of Mecca, it was an Islamic state. The Sultan or ruler of the Empire was also the Caliph or official guardian of Islam. The later Crusades were fought by European states against the Ottoman Empire. See Barbary Coast. Press gang: Navies pressed sailors into service, by forcing, tricking, bribing and even kidnapping men from other ships or from villages along the coast. The crew rounded up the men was called a “press gang”. Reis: (or Rais) A captain in the Barbary and Ottoman fleets. “Hussein Reis” means “Captain Hussein”.
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The James Craig in full sail (Courtesy Australian Heritage Fleet) |
| ©2006 Kelly Gardiner |