The Golden Age Of Piracy: Myths vs Reality

The Golden Age Of Piracy: Myths vs Reality

Author: History Hit & Assassin's Creed July 3, 2026 Duration: 52:01

Did pirates really bury treasure, fly the Jolly Roger and walk the plank?


Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced avoids many of the clichés of pirate fiction. Yet staying true to history still includes tropes of pop culture pirates - there may be no talking parrots, but they still drink a lot of rum. Matt Lewis rejoins Dr Rebecca Simon to debunk pirate myths!


Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

06:08 - Did Pirates Use Black Flags?

12:30 - What does "Jolly Roger" mean?

13:24 - Peg Legs & Eye Patches

18:47 - Pets!

20:59 - Pirate Bling

23:54 - Did Pirates force folk to Walk the Plank?

25:07 - Did Pirates Maroon Enemies?

26:32 - The Pirate Code

32:32 - Did Pirates Bury Their Treasure?

37:16 - X Marks The Spot?

38:24 - Where Is The Rum?

41:10 - What's Your Favourite Pirate Myth?

42:15 - Why do Pirate Myths persist?

48:52 - Enter the Animus: which myth do you want to prove?


Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch this episode on YouTube.


Hosted by: Matt Lewis

Edited by: Robin McConnell

Produced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell

Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff

Production Manager: Beth Donaldson

Executive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen Bennett


Music:

The Buccaneers by Brian Tyler

Confrontation by Brian Tyler

Fare Thee Well by Brian Tyler


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Tell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com


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Step into the past and discover how history is woven into the fabric of our most compelling stories. Echoes of History, presented by History Hit and Assassin’s Creed, explores the rich, authentic details that breathe life into the legendary game series. This isn't just a behind-the-scenes look; it's a journey to the source material itself. Each episode unpacks the real events, figures, and settings that inspired iconic game worlds. You'll hear about the political intrigue of Renaissance Florence, the vast trade networks of the ancient Silk Road, the brutal realities of piracy in the Caribbean, and the complex codes of honor in Feudal Japan. The podcast connects these historical dots with clarity and narrative flair, offering context that deepens appreciation for both the games and the eras they depict. It’s for anyone curious about where creative fiction meets documented fact, proving that the most thrilling adventures are often rooted in truth. Tune in to find the history hidden in plain sight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Echoes of History
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