Pirate culture emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, primarily in the Caribbean Sea. Pirates, often referred to as buccaneers or privateers, engaged in acts of robbery and violence against ships and coastal settlements. They operated outside the law, forming loose alliances and codes of conduct, such as the Pirate Code, which outlined rules for sharing loot and maintaining order among crew members. Pirates are often depicted wearing distinctive clothing, such as tricorn hats and eye patches, and are associated with symbols like the Jolly Roger flag. Their lifestyle included a mix of adventure, camaraderie, and danger, with many pirates seeking freedom from societal norms and pursuing wealth through plunder.