Who was the first pirate?

By: Brandon Prins, University of Tennessee, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 3, 2026

Words: 1,168

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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By Brandon Prins, University of Tennessee

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Who was the first pirate? – Yandel R., age 11, Lakewood Ranch, Florida

When most people imagine a pirate, they picture actor Johnny Depp playing the mad but likable swashbuckler Jack Sparrow, captain of the sailing ship the Black …

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