08/03/2025
You Never Wanted to See the "RED" Jolly Roger
Since the early 18th century, one symbol has spelled terror for sailors the world over like no other. Although it most commonly depicts a white skull and crossbones set against a simple black backdrop, the Jolly Roger pirate flag has actually undergone countless changes over the centuries — and often didn't even feature a skull at all.
Some featured daggers and swords while Blackbeard's version depicted a skeleton-like creature stabbing a heart with a spear. But surely the most feared variety was the infamous red Jolly Roger, which meant certain doom — because it indicated that the pirates flying it intended to take no prisoners.
Learn more about the surprising history of the Jolly Roger
Story below ⬇️
