Ching Shih
Maritime history features no more successful pirate than this Chinese widow. By 1807, her operation included 1,800 ships and 80,000 crew members. They were larger than most national navies. She enforced a strict code of conduct, including rules protecting female captives. Unlike most pirates, Ching Shih negotiated complete amnesty in 1810 and retired wealthy. She lived comfortably until her death in 1844. Her organizational skills transformed piracy from small-scale raids into an efficient criminal enterprise.
