How a British Pirate Robbed a Massive Mughal Treasure Fleet

In 1696CE, the British Pirate Henry Every arrived in the Indian Ocean and allied with five other pirate captains to attack a Mughal treasure fleet. Despite being at a disadvantage, Captain Every successfully captured the largest ship in the Mughal fleet -- the Ganj-i-Sawai, also known as the Gunsway -- and secured treasure worth over $120 million in today's currency.

The consequences were substantial.

The Mughals took steps to end British trade in India, and the East India Company made several concessions in an effort to win back Mughal trust -- they paid compensation and started an international manhunt to find and execute Every and his crew.

But Every was never caught, and his legend has only grown. Today, he is often referred to as the "King of Pirates," despite having only spent two years as a pirate.

Enjoy!