The "Golden Age of Piracy" refers to a period from the late 17th century to the early 18th century when piracy flourished in the Caribbean Sea and along the American coast. This era saw notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Bartholomew Roberts become famous for their daring exploits and attacks on merchant ships. The decline of naval power and the abundance of valuable cargo made this time particularly attractive for pirates. During this period, many pirates operated under the so-called "Pirate Code," which outlined rules for conduct and shared loot among crew members. The rise of colonial trade and the weakening of European powers contributed to the growth of piracy. Eventually, increased naval patrols and anti-piracy laws led to the decline of this adventurous era by the mid-18th century.