The first written mention we have of piracy is on a clay tablet dating back to the pharaoh Akhenaten, way back in 1350 BC. It describes acts of piracy in the Mediterranean. Ancient Greek merchants mention piracy as part of the cost of being a maritime merchant. More recently, but still a long time ago, around 140 BC, the Roman historian, Polybius, was the first to use the word pirate. (Peirato in its Latin version.) In 75 BC, the future emperor, Julius (who would become) Caesar, was captured by pirates and held to ransom for 38 days. He behaved more like a guest, than a prisoner, while held in the Greek islands. Read more