199. Robbing the World’s Wealthiest Dynasty

This episode explores the life and exploits of Henry Avery, a notorious pirate also known as Long Ben, unraveling the complexities of his persona and the romanticized image of pirates in popular culture. Against the backdrop of the Nine Years' War and the burgeoning Atlantic slave trade, Avery's journey from a Royal Navy sailor to a leading pirate is detailed, highlighting his mutiny on the Charles II and the formation of a formidable pirate confederation. More significantly, the episode focuses on Avery's audacious heist of the Fahd Muhammadi, a wealthy Mughal merchant ship, which yielded an unprecedented treasure and launched a global manhunt. For instance, the discussion contrasts Avery's self-portrayal as a patriotic Englishman with historical evidence suggesting otherwise. The narrative culminates in a cliffhanger, leaving the listener eager to learn about Avery's attempt to seize the even richer Mughal flagship, the Ganji Tsai. This episode effectively challenges the stereotypical portrayal of pirates as lovable rogues, revealing the brutal realities of piracy and its impact on the historical context.