Arrgh! Photos Reveal 'Pirates of the Caribbean'

Pirates of the Caribbean

A Caribbean pirate ship

(Image credit: KSL Productions LLC / Shutterstock)

Archaeologists researching a site where Caribbean pirates "laid their hats" have found the drunken men not only smoked like the devil but also preferred fine pottery. They were sort of the real "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Barcadares Site

the Barcadares site where researchers examine pirate loot

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

Excavation work at the Barcadares site. Located 15 miles up the Belize River the area was very remote during the 18th century.

Rustic Life

the Barcadares site where researchers examine pirate loot

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

At the Barcadares site, the pirates would've lived a rustic life, sleeping on above-ground platforms, with a canvas to keep out mosquitoes.

Delft Ware

delft ware pottery at pirate Barcadares site

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

More than half of the ceramics from the Barcadares are made of this a soft, decorative, soft tableware called delft ware, which would've been impractical at such a remote location.

Finely-Crafted Bowl

a finely-crafted porringer bowl at the Barcadares pirate site

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

This porringer (a handled bowl) was one of a few stoneware artifacts found at the Barcadares site. The material is tougher than delft ware but, in this case, is still finely crafted.

Fine Dining

a finely-crafted porringer bowl at the Barcadares pirate site

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

A reconstruction showing what the shape of the porringer would have been like.

Pirate Porcelain

chinese porcelain was found at the Barcadares pirate site

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

The scientists found bits of Chinese porcelain (shown at front), with a reconstruction of what they would've looked like if intact.

Pirate Loot

a pirate case bottle found at Barcadares

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

The top of a square-sided case bottle found at the site; it was likely kept inside a wooden box.

Smoked Like Chimneys

tobacco pipes found at the pirate Barcadares site

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

About 36 percent of all the artifacts at the Barcadares are made up of tobacco pipes (shown here), indicating that the pirates were heavy smokers.

Tobacco Pipes

drawings of tobacco pipes from the pirate Barcadares site.

(Image credit: Photo courtesy Daniel Finamore)

Drawings showing the different types of tobacco pipes found at the site.

Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.