10 Most Violent Pirates In History

Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach is the most famous pirate who ever lived. If there is a movie or television series about pirates, it's a safe bet that he'll make an appearance at some point. While he is the most recognized name in the game, 'Blackbeard' was also one of the worst pirates to work for.

It wasn't uncommon for captains to discipline or even kill unruly subordinates. However, it was unusual for a ship's commander to shoot his men for no particular reason, which is exactly what 'Blackbeard' did.

According to the Pirates of Colonial North Carolina, when asked why he wounded his crew members at will, Teach stated, "if he did not shoot one or two of them now and then, they'd forget who he was."

In an infamous incident, on a drunken evening, the captain was sitting at a table with two of his crew members. Suddenly, 'Blackbeard' pulled out two pistols, blew out the candle they were using for light, and discharged his weapons. One of the men at the table, his first mate named Israel Hands, was hit in the knee and crippled for life.

Teach used violence to terrorize his crew and amuse himself while drinking.

Of course, the legendary pirate would die at the hands of a British Royal Navy crew, led by Robert Maynard in 1718.