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Maria Bonita, a member of the notorious Cangaço band in Brazil, defied societal expectations and became a revered folk heroine. She joined the band at a young age, participating in their criminal activities and proving to be as brave and formidable as her male counterparts. Tragically, she was killed during a shootout with the police, but her legacy as a strong and determined woman lives on.
Teuta, the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, ascended to power after the death of her husband in 231 BC. Continuing his policy of expanding their influence in the Adriatic Sea, she faced conflict with the Roman Republic due to Illyrian piracy. Despite her efforts to defend her kingdom, Teuta ultimately surrendered after losing the First Illyrian War in 228 BC.
Sayyida al Hurra, born in 1485 in Morocco, was a powerful and influential figure in the Islamic West. As the Governor of Tétouan, she proved herself to be a capable leader, maintaining stability and security in the city. She formed an alliance with Barbarossa of Algiers, exerting control over the Mediterranean and challenging European powers. Sayyida al Hurra defied societal norms and became one of the most important female figures of her time in the region.
Gráinne O’Malley, also known as Grace O’Malley, was a formidable figure in Irish history. Born around 1530, she defied societal norms to become the head of the Ó Máille dynasty. Known for her exceptional leadership and fearlessness, she commanded her own fleet and engaged in battles along the western coast of Ireland. Her story resonates as an example of a powerful and resilient woman in history.
Zheng Yi Sao (1775–1844), also known as Ching Shih, was a Chinese pirate leader who commanded a fleet of 400 junks and between 40,000 and 60,000 pirates. Known for her fierce attacks and successful looting, she challenged gender norms and became one of history’s most successful pirates. After negotiating a surrender in 1810, she retired and lived a peaceful life until her death in 1844. No official awards or recognitions have been documented for Zheng Yi Sao.
Huang Bamei, a Chinese pirate leader, rose to become a naval commander during the Second Sino-Japanese War and Chinese Civil War. Despite a challenging upbringing, she grew to earn a reputation as a fearsome pirate leader. Huang displayed resourcefulness and the ability to navigate complex power dynamics. She shifted allegiances during the war but eventually aligned herself with the Chinese army. After the war, she returned to piracy before joining a women’s organization and dedicating herself to humanitarian efforts. Huang’s story showcases her resilience and adaptability in navigating political landscapes.
Anne Bonny, an Irish pirate who operated in the Caribbean during the 18th century, is one of the few female pirates in recorded history. Her life story, although shrouded in mystery, has fascinated historians and enthusiasts for centuries. Born in Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, Anne Bonny’s audacity and fearlessness gained her a reputation as an exceptional pirate, challenging societal norms and leaving a lasting legacy in women’s history.
Mary Read was an English pirate who defied societal norms during the “Golden Age of Piracy” in the 18th century. Born in 1685, she grew up in unconventional circumstances, dressed as a boy, and worked on ships and in the military. Mary’s life took an adventurous turn when she became a member of Calico Jack’s pirate crew, alongside fellow pirate Anne Bonny. Their success, however, was short-lived as they were apprehended and Mary’s life tragically ended in 1721. Despite her premature death, Mary Read’s life serves as an inspiration to women who challenge gender expectations.
Ingela Olofsdotter Gathenhielm was a Swedish shipowner and privateer who played a significant role in the Great Northern War. She inherited her late husband’s privateering permit and became known as the “Privateering Queen.” After her privateering activities ended, Ingela continued to excel in various business enterprises, achieving considerable success and becoming a prominent figure in Gothenburg’s commercial scene. Her life and accomplishments have become legendary, highlighting her resilience and determination in a male-dominated industry.
Rusla, also known as the “Red Woman,” was a legendary Norwegian shield-maiden who sought vengeance against the Danes after her brother was betrayed and dethroned. With her trusted companion Stikla, Rusla led a pirate fleet, attacking ships and coastal towns in her pursuit of justice. Rusla gained a fearsome reputation, earning her nickname due to her bloodthirsty nature. Despite ultimately being captured and killed by her own brother, Rusla’s legacy as one of the most fearsome Norse warrior women lives on.
Ng Akew, a Chinese opium smuggler and house owner in Hong Kong, became entangled in controversy as she played a pivotal role in a pirate scandal in 1849. Despite being a Tanka slave of American opium smuggler James Bridges Endicott, Ng Akew showed resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. Though acquitted of the charges, her involvement with piracy remains etched in Hong Kong’s collective memory. Her journey from a Tanka slave to a prosperous property owner serves as a testament to her determination and resilience in a male-dominated world.
Elise Eskilsdotter was a Norwegian noblewoman during the 15th century. After her husband’s assassination, she became involved in a conflict against the German merchant class of Bergen, fighting to protect the interests of the Norwegian nobility. Despite facing challenges and opposition from Danish rule, Elise remained resilient in her commitment to her children and the future of Norway.
Jeanne de Clisson (1300–1359), also known as Jeanne de Belleville and the Lioness of Brittany, was a French/Breton former noblewoman who became a privateer to avenge her husband after he was executed for treason by the French king. She crossed the English Channel targeting French ships and often slaughtering their crew. It was her practice to leave at least one sailor alive to carry her message of vengeance to the King of France.
Mary Wolverston, Lady Killigrew (formerly Knyvett; born before 1525 – died after 1587), was a gentlewoman from Suffolk who married into an ancient Cornish family and was accused of piracy during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Mary’s life was filled with intrigue and adventure, as she played an active role in her husband’s piracy activities and managed the family estate.
Rachel Wall (c. 1760 – October 8, 1789) was the last woman to be hanged in Massachusetts and possibly the first American-born female pirate. Despite a traumatic incident during her early years, Wall embarked on a career as a pirate with her husband, George Wall, capturing boats and stealing valuables along the coast of New Hampshire. After her husband’s death, Wall was arrested and ultimately found guilty of robbery, leading to her execution.
Sadie Farrell, also known as Sadie the Goat, was an alleged American criminal and river pirate in 19th-century New York. She gained notoriety as a street mugger and later became the leader of a gang that hijacked ships and raided villages along the Hudson and Harlem Rivers. While the details of her exploits may be embellished, Sadie’s legendary status and unique nickname continue to fascinate people today.
Lo Hon-cho, a 20th-century Chinese pirate, inherited her husband’s fleet after his death and became a feared and ruthless pirate leader. Her raids targeted the southern region of China, particularly the vicinity of Beihai, where she gained a terrifying reputation. Despite briefly allying with the Chinese military, her career came to an end when she was caught off guard by a warship. The exact fate of Lo Hon-cho remains a mystery, but her legacy as a powerful pirate leader and her influence on other women pirates has endured.
Christina Anna Skytte, a Swedish baroness and pirate, lived a life filled with controversy and adventure. Alongside her fiancé and brother, she engaged in piracy in the Baltic Sea and even had one of their partners killed. Despite facing accusations and having her brother executed, Christina Anna managed to escape arrest and eventually settle down, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate imaginations.
Jacquotte Delahaye, the legendary pirate of the Caribbean Sea, has become an emblematic figure in pirate lore, even though there is no concrete evidence to confirm her existence. Born in Saint-Domingue, she is said to have taken on the responsibility of caring for her brother after the death of their parents. Motivated by revenge, she faked her own death and became a fearsome pirate known as “Back From the Dead Red”. While the details of her life remain uncertain, her story continues to captivate and inspire.
Charlotte de Berry, a legendary pirate captain, is said to have been born in 1636 in England. While the historical evidence for her existence is scarce, her story of daring adventures and tragic events has captured the imagination and become a popular legend in pirate lore. Whether fact or fiction, Charlotte de Berry’s tale continues to fascinate and intrigue.
Anne Dieu-le-Veut, a French pirate who lived from 1661 to 1710, was one of the few known female buccaneers. Her early life is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that she was deported to French Tortuga as a criminal. After marrying buccaneer Pierre Lelong, who tragically died in a fight, she went on to marry Laurens de Graaf, a famous buccaneer. Anne’s life is an intriguing look into the world of 17th-century piracy.
Johanna Hård, a Swedish pirate, overcame adversity throughout her life. From smuggling to murder accusations, she displayed resourcefulness and resilience. In Stockholm, she rebuilt her life and found stability, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a criminal and a determined survivor.
Princess Sela (active c. 400-420 A.D.) was a Norwegian pirate and one of the first known female pirates. She defied societal expectations of her time and embarked on a daring journey that transformed her into a legendary pirate. With her exceptional skills as a warrior and captain, she challenged gender roles in maritime activities and inspired countless individuals, especially women, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Although her reign was short-lived, Princess Sela’s legacy as a symbol of empowerment and determination lives on in women’s history.