Decoy maps
An interesting theory treasure hunters have been positing is that pirates used “decoy” treasure maps, meant to lead treasure-seekers astray and keep the treasure safe. It might just be that treasure hunters are looking for excuses why they’re not finding any treasure, but some evidence suggests that pirates either used fake maps, or used multiple maps that needed to be referenced together before they could be followed.
Dreaded Captain Edus Madok
One of the most famous, yet mysterious pirates from the golden age of piracy is Captain Edus Madok. He was extremely successful at looting merchant ships and slave ships – reportedly growing his crew quickly by taking a lot of freed slaves into his band of misfits. Nobody ever found his ship – the Bonancre – or his famed treasure. Historical accounts seem to suggest his ship was seen in the Carribean Sea shortly before it disappeared.
Carribean Sea witchdoctors and pirate curses
Pirates are notorious for guarding their hard-earned fortune jealously: cryptic treasure maps, physical traps, and even curses! That’s right: curses. There were a number of witchdoctors and charlatans who peddled their blessings and curses during the golden age of piracy. Pirates were some of the most motivated clients. It’s quite an interesting pirate subculture.
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