The Cilician Pirates were a group of maritime raiders who operated in the Mediterranean Sea during the late Roman Republic, particularly from the 1st century BCE. They were based in the region of Cilicia, located in modern-day southern Turkey, and became notorious for their attacks on merchant ships and coastal towns. Their activities disrupted trade and posed a significant threat to Roman interests in the area. These pirates were skilled sailors and navigators, often using small, fast ships to evade capture. The Roman Republic eventually took action against them, leading to military campaigns that aimed to eliminate their influence. The most notable campaign was led by Pompey the Great in 67 BCE, which effectively dismantled their operations.