It is natural to idealize the role pirates have played throughout history. The idea of sailing the seven seas aboard a wooden galleon, above the law and accountable only to your captain (whose whimsical view of life is as fond of freedom as your own), is extremely appealing. That is, until you consider the harsh reality pirates faced daily.

Seasickness

Although most pirates were “born sailors” (and those who weren’t quickly got used to the motion of the ship or faced being thrown overboard), seasickness was a common ailment, especially during the rainy season. The mere stench of a seasick pirate was enough to send the rest of the crew leaning over the edge of the ship.

Bathing

The smell of sick shipmates wasn’t the only thing that accompanied pirates on their adventures around the world. Dirty, foul-smelling bodies were common aboard the galleons! Freshwater was such a valuable resource that it couldn’t be wasted on personal hygiene, while saltwater irritated the skin and caused friction with clothing, worsening the condition.

High Risk

Mutilation, the loss of an eye, and exposure to countless wounds during battles were clear disadvantages of being a pirate. Not to mention the constant threat of death during skirmishes or at the hands of enemies who could easily turn into executioners.

Basic Diet

Far from gourmet food, the food options aboard a pirate ship were extremely limited. Docking at a port was considered a very risky luxury just to satisfy cravings. Fresh produce only lasted a couple of weeks at most, and dried foods became the main part of the pirate diet once the meat ran out.

Diseases

Aside from the lack of personal hygiene, the deficiency of vitamin C and other nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables made easily preventable diseases a common currency aboard pirate ships.

Democratic Tyranny

Hard to believe, but pirates during the golden age were firm supporters of democracy. Voting governed many aspects of daily life. Except during battles, where the captain held absolute authority, all other positions were voted on, and power was shared.

Acceptance of Homosexuality

Homosexuality was common on pirate ships, and throughout history, there are reports of the first homosexual marriages or civil unions, allowing two men to share property rights. This was particularly important in case of death.

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