It is uncertain where and when the first pirate flag was seen on top of a pirate vessel. Generally, when people see a pirate flag on top of a mast, it strikes fear into the very souls of opposite ships because it can mean death or plunder. The flag is also known as “Jolly Roger” and was intended to immediately have other ships surrender upon sighting it.
It is hard to trace where the “Jolly Roger” first surfaced. The devil is actually called “Old Roger” as well, so many people thought that the flag represented the devil or made people suffer everywhere. The skull and bones images that appear on the flag actually stemmed from a captain’s log, which indicates when a sailor has died. The flag is important in any pirate ship and is relatively an early type of psychological warfare.
Many people might believe that the only design of a pirate flag is the skull and bones. However, there are also other designs and pictures that can be found on pirate banners, such as swords, skeletons, hourglasses, hearts and blood. The colors are also not just black and white. Red, blue or gold may be incorporated too.
Black Bart used to be one of the most notorious pirates. He used to be called Bartholomew Roberts from Wales. After four years of being a pirate, he captured over 400 ships and amassed a lot of riches. He was fearless, intelligent and strategic, which led to his success on the seas. He was dreaded by fellow pirates and innocent sailors.