Part II: Pirates of the Olden Seas: Volume I: A to E

by Anas Hamshari

In this installment, Anas Hamshari returns to the shores of antiquity and the medieval world to examine the early figures who turned to the sea for plunder, for power, for rebellion, and for survival. These were the raiders and privateers who shaped the Mediterranean and northern European waters, from the harsh coasts of Scandinavia to the harbors of North Africa and the Levant.

This book is a study grounded in archival work and primary sources, drawing on both well-known chronicles and obscure records. Each entry traces the known life and activities of a Pirate or Corsair, along with the political, economic, and cultural forces that gave rise to their actions.

Hamshari aims to understand these figures within the contexts of their times. Piracy in the Old World was rarely a matter of choice alone; it often emerged out of changing borders, collapsing states, and contested trade routes. In many cases, Pirates were not necessarily outlaws by nature, for they were products of empire, frontier, and war.

Volume I sets the stage for what is to follow; a comprehensive catalogue of sea raiders across centuries and continents. These are the early agents of maritime disruption, whose presence on the waves preceded the colonial age and helped define the dynamics of early international power.

With clear prose and a careful regard for historical accuracy, Pirates of the Olden Seas invites the reader to reconsider what Piracy meant before the New World ever entered the map.

934 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2025

About the author

Renowned as a master storyteller, Anas Hamshari’s compelling narratives are imbued with a supreme passion for history that shines with undeniable brilliance. Spanning an impressive 27 years, his lifelong enthusiasm has flourished into a remarkable writing journey. With a remarkable collection of over 26 books already crafted, his creative fervor continues unabated as he works toward completing 8 more historical works. An eloquent scribe, Anas Hamshari has showcased his literary prowess by successfully completing well over 61 ghostwritten historical novel projects since 2018. In addition to his writing accomplishments, he has also ventured into the world of leather bookbinding and marbling, aspiring to blend these newfound crafts with his enduring love for crafting books and upholding traditional values.