Sid Meier's Pirates! Timeline ( Real )

historical-event
October 12, 1492

Christopher Columbus Reaches the Americas

Christopher Columbus arrives in the Caribbean, opening the New World to European colonization and exploration.

colonial-history
Early 1500s

Start of the Spanish Empire in the Caribbean

Spain establishes major colonies in the Caribbean, centralizing control and wealth from the New World that attracts pirates.

historical-event
Circa 1650

Golden Age of Piracy Begins

The period in which piracy is most prevalent in the Caribbean and Atlantic, including famous pirates like Blackbeard and Henry Morgan.

historical-event
November 7, 1670

Treaty of Madrid Ends Many Pirate Havens

Treaty between England and Spain restricting piracy and privateering to establish control over colonies.

cultural
1724

Publication of 'A General History of the Pyrates'

This book chronicles the lives of many famous pirates and contributes to the pirate legend.

historical-event
Circa 1730

Decline of Caribbean Piracy

Rising colonial naval power and treaties lead to the decline of piracy in the Caribbean by the mid-18th century.

Sid Meier's Pirates! Timeline ( Fictional )

game_start
1605 AD

Arrival in the Caribbean

The player arrives in the Caribbean Sea as a young adventurer seeking fortune and fame during the early 17th century.

career_milestone
1606 AD

First Commission from a Governor

The player receives their first commission from a colonial governor, marking the beginning of official naval and privateering duties.

conflict
1607 AD

Engagement with Pirate Raiders

A significant naval battle against infamous pirate raiders that tests the player's ship combat skills early in their career.

personal_event
1608 AD

Meeting the Governor's Daughter

The player meets and courts the daughter of a prominent governor, opening opportunities for influence and alliances.

social_event
1609 AD

Winning the Dance Competition

Victory in a local dance contest enhances the player's popularity and social standing in a colonial town.

naval_battle
1610 AD

Capture of a Spanish Galleon

The player successfully captures a heavily armed Spanish galleon, greatly increasing their wealth and reputation.

career_milestone
1612 AD

Appointment as Admiral

Due to valor and success, the player is appointed Admiral by a colonial power, increasing command opportunities.

conflict
1615 AD

Final Confrontation with Pirate Lord

A climactic naval battle with the notorious Pirate Lord, impacting control over Caribbean waters.

game_end
1620 AD

Retirement as a Wealthy Merchant Lord

The player retires from seafaring life, settling down as a powerful and wealthy merchant in a colonial city.