Were ancient Greeks known for going on pirate raids like the Romans? While piracy was not a defining characteristic of ancient Greek civilization, there were instances in which Greeks engaged in piracy. The ancient Greek world was composed of various city-states, and not all of them were engaged in maritime activities for plunder. However, some Greek city-states, particularly those located on the coast or islands, did have a history of piracy.
One notable example is the Cilician pirates who operated in the eastern Mediterranean during the Hellenistic period (circa 4th to 1st centuries BCE). These pirates, based in the region of Cilicia (modern-day southern Turkey), were a threat to maritime trade routes and often targeted ships passing through the area.
Additionally, during times of political instability or conflict, some Greek states and individuals turned to piracy as a means of economic gain or as a strategy in warfare. The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta, for instance, saw instances of piracy as part of the broader conflict.
It’s important to note that piracy was not unique to the Greeks; it was a common practice in the ancient Mediterranean world. The Romans also faced challenges from pirates during various periods, and ultimately, it was Pompey the Great who undertook significant efforts to eliminate piracy in the Mediterranean during the first century BCE.
