Caesar and the pirates
Off Farmakonisi, Aegean
What happened
According to the Greek writer Plutarch, when Julius Caesar was a young man pirates captured his ship near the island of Pharmacusa in the Aegean Sea. They asked for a ransom of twenty talents, and Caesar laughed and told them he was worth fifty. He was held for thirty-eight days while the money was gathered.
Why it matters
The story shows how much of the Mediterranean pirates controlled in Roman times. Historians say it was later much embellished, so some details may not be exact.
What came next
After the ransom from Miletus was paid and Caesar was freed, Plutarch says he quickly manned ships and went back after the pirates.
Did you know?
According to Plutarch, Caesar read aloud his own poems and speeches to the pirates and told them to be quiet when he wanted to sleep.
Timeline
- Around 75 BCEAccording to Plutarch, pirates capture Caesar near Pharmacusa.
- 38 days laterCaesar is freed after the ransom is paid.
- Soon afterCaesar sets out in ships to pursue the pirates.