Have you ever heard of Blackbeard, a legendary pirate who ruled the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in the 18th century?
Have you ever dreamed of searching for shipwrecks left behind by pirates? In addition to the many treasures hidden there, the explorer could discover clues to the customs of these sea bandits.
Jean Soulat, researcher at the University of Caen, knows something about it. Indeed, this archaeologist by training is Co-President of the Archeology of Piracy association whose mission is to conduct research and archaeological excavations in the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the east coast of the United States.
It is in this context that an investigative mission to Madagascar is planned for next April.
Beyond their adventures at sea, the pirates had bases of operations. Archaeological investigations carried out by researchers indicate that the island of Sainte-Marie, on the east coast of Madagascar, is one of their main haunts in the Indian Ocean.
According to the association, Jean Soulat’s research will thus make it possible “to better understand the installation of these pirates, their way of life, the exploitation of raw materials and the method of construction of these facilities”.
Although illustrating and demonstrating the presence of corsairs in Nosy Boraha, discovering the famous “pirate cemetery” is not the only attraction of the island. Sainte-Marie is also renowned for the humpback whales that come to mate and give birth in the warm waters of Madagascar.
Between white sand beaches, waterfalls, natural pools and mangroves, this island is also a true haven of peace for travellers.
