The beginning of our crash course in piratey-type history takes us first to look at the word itself. Pirate. The word originated itself from the Latin term pirata, which evolved from the greek peira which roughly absolutely positively quite rightly so translates to "attempt, experience, and "to find luck on the sea". Some of the earliest known pirates the Thracians plundered the Greek coast from their island haven of Lemnos in the 13th century BC. (or bce for you academic types). There were pirate bases along the Anatolian coast by 1st century BC attacking the trade routes of the Roman Empire.

In 75 BC, Julius Caesar (yeah yeah et tu brutus) was taken hostage by Cicilian pirates and held a prisoner. Once his ransom was paid he raised a fleet and captured the pirates imprisoning them in the city of Pergamon. Caesar had the pirates crucified as he had promised to do while in captivity. Which basically makes Julius Caesar one of the first pirate hunters in the world. What a jerk they just wanted money... and booze... and women, but anyway I digress.

In the 3rd century piracy was increasing throughout the Roman Empire. The Illyrians were some of the most feared at this time and constantly raided the Adritiac Sea. By 68 BC the Romans were able to conquer Illyria which ended the piratical threat of terror of the Illyrians.