Barbary pirates

Though at least a proportion of them are better described as privateers, the Barbary pirates operated out of Tunis, Tripoli, Algiers, Salè and ports in Morocco, preying on shipping in the western Mediterranean Sea from the time of the Crusades as well as on ships on their way to Asia around Africa until the early 19th century. Their stronghold was along the stretch of northern Africa known as the Barbary Coast (a medieval term for the Maghreb after its Berber inhabitants), although their predation was said to extend as far north as Iceland, and south along West Africa's Atlantic seaboard.

Barbary pirates in literature

Barbary pirates appear in a number of famous novels, including Robinson Crusoe, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, The Algerine Captive by Royall Tyler, Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian and the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson.

Related Topics:
Robinson Crusoe - The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas - The Algerine Captive - Master and Commander - Patrick O'Brian - Baroque Cycle - Neal Stephenson

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Miguel de Cervantes was captive in the bagnio of Algiers, and reflected his experience in some of his books, including Don Quixote.

Related Topics:
Miguel de Cervantes - Bagnio - Don Quixote

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