Women Pirates in History

The video explores the overlooked history of women pirates, contrasting their stories with the more familiar tales of male pirates like Blackbeard. It highlights societal biases that have historically minimized women's roles in piracy, focusing on figures such as Zheng Yi Sao, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Sayyida al Hurra, Grace O'Malley, and Queen Teuta. These women defied gender norms, often disguising themselves as men, and commanded significant power and influence. The video calls for a reevaluation of pirate history to include these complex and powerful women.

Why is Blackbeard more well-known than Zheng Yi Sao despite her commanding a much larger fleet?

• Society has historically focused on male pirates.

• Zheng Yi Sao's fleet was not as effective.

• Zheng Yi Sao was less successful.

• Blackbeard was more ruthless.

What societal expectation did women pirates defy?

• Engaging in politics.

• Owning property.

• Staying at home and performing domestic labor.

• Becoming captains of ships.

What was a common superstition about women on ships?

• They would bring good luck.

• They would calm the seas.

• They would attract more fish.

• They were considered bad luck.

How did Anne Bonny and Mary Read manage to join pirate crews?

• By inheriting a ship.

• By bribing the crew.

• By disguising themselves as men.

• By being captured and forced to join.

What was the fate of Rachel Wall, the first recorded American pirate?

• She retired peacefully.

• She was pardoned by the governor.

• She was hanged in Boston Common.

• She became a privateer.

What condition did Zheng Yi Sao set for her marriage to a pirate?

• She would receive half of his fleet.

• She would be given a treasure map.

• She would become the captain.

• She would be allowed to retire.

What was Zheng Yi Sao's estimated number of men under her command?

• 100,000

• 80,000

• 50,000

• 10,000

What motivated Sayyida al Hurra to attack Spanish ships?

• To gain wealth.

• To prove her strength.

• To avenge her family's expulsion during The Inquisition.

• To expand her territory.

How did Grace O'Malley secure the release of her sons?

• By paying a ransom.

• By attacking the English fleet.

• By appealing to Queen Elizabeth.

• By threatening to invade England.

What was Queen Teuta's agreement with the Romans?

• To become a Roman citizen.

• To pay a tribute to Rome.

• To marry a Roman general.

• To stop her piracy activities.