The wooden planks of the caravels groan under the weight of newly loaded cargo. The heavy ropes creak under the pull of the anchor. The skeletons of the ships’ superstructures dance a deathly dance for many of the poor Africans being herded below deck to the sound of cracking whips. Suddenly, the cry rings out: ‘Pirates in sight!’. The orderly scene descends into chaos. Merchants hastily gather their precious belongings; entire families can be seen rushing away, sheer terror etched on their faces. Once again, there will be looting, pillaging, and murder. Read more