Texas Archaeologists Discover Ancient King’s Tomb in Belize

Recently, archaeologists from Texas, Arlen and Diane Chase, unearthed the 4th-century tomb of Te Kabu Chaak, an early leader of Caracol, a significant Mayan city located in Belize.

In another fascinating development, a team of filmmakers and archaeologists has reported the discovery of a shipwreck connected to a real-life pirate who operated out of Nassau, Bahamas. In early June, the New Providence Pirates Expeditionary Force and Wreck Watch TV revealed that they found six shipwrecks near Nassau, three of which date back to the Golden Age of Piracy.

The Golden Age of Piracy spanned from the 1650s to the 1730s, during which pirates roamed the Caribbean and various trade routes. Nassau emerged as a central hub for piracy in the late 17th century. At its height, about 1,000 pirates and sailors resided in Nassau Harbor, according to their findings.

Among the artifacts recovered, researchers found iron cannons, lead musket balls, and sword sharpeners at one of the wreck sites—items typical of piracy during that era. Debris from the cargo, including hull planks, glass bottles, and galley bricks, was also discovered.

In one of the wrecks, divers retrieved a clay tobacco pipe decorated with the British royal family’s coat of arms, indicating the vessel was likely a British trading ship from the 1740s. Michael Pateman, a co-director of the project, noted that the visibility at one site allowed them to discern major features of a heavily armed pirate ship.

Pateman remarked, “The entire wreck was laid out in front of us,” referencing the ship that predominantly carried swivel guns—favorite artillery among pirates. These weapons delivered devastating fire to opposing crews when mounted on deck rails.

Another shipwreck examined raised speculation about its connection to Henry Avery, a notorious pirate from history. Kingsley mentioned that wooden nails found on the ship suggested it was constructed during the late 1600s or early 1700s. However, he emphasized the need for further research to conclusively identify the ship.

Piracy often served as an escape route for many sailors who faced brutal conditions aboard the Royal Navy and Merchant Fleet. “Piracy was perhaps a short-lived existence, but it offered freedom and opportunities that were otherwise unattainable,” Pateman expressed.

The expedition aims to document these finds and delve deeper into the history of Nassau as a piracy center, utilizing underwater drones for mapping future survey sites. “There’s still much more to uncover about our buried past,” Kingsley added, suggesting that the exploration could reveal astonishing insights into a world often romanticized in stories and films.