Pirate treasure from the 17th century found in Madagascar

According to foreign news outlets, prospector Barry Clifford claims to have come across treasure in the waters off Madagascar that most likely belonged to famed 17th century pirate Captain William Kidd.

-- Advertisement --

Among the objects found on the wreck, the most impressive is a huge silver bar weighing 50kg! The unusual find was handed over to the Madagascan authorities, who immediately ordered special military protection for such a valuable historical relic.

“This is a great find for me and my team, but it means even more to Madagascar and the world’s historical heritage,” said Clifford, who has been exploring the region for 15 years.

It is speculated that the wreck from which the barb came is the ‘Adventure Galley’ known as the ‘terror of the seas’, which was abandoned in 1698, after having taken part in a number of plunders amassing considerable amounts of gold, silk and jewels. Most of the looted goods came from raids on British East India Company ships.

Captain Kidd is also a very unusual character. He was, among other things, an inspiration for the writer Robert Louis Stevenson during the creation of the popular “Treasure Island”, and… he fought pirates before he became one.

William Kidd’s death was not the most ordinary either. He was hanged for piracy and murdering a crew member in 1701, but was only executed a third time! The pirate’s corpse was then dipped in tar and put on public display as a warning to others.

Source: bbc.com