From Prostitute to the Most Successful Pirate
Ching Shih: The Most Successful Pirate in History
Born in 1775, she was a remarkable example of female strength and resilience and serves as an inspiration for today’s women.
Ching Shih began her career as a prostitute in the early 19th century before joining a powerful Chinese pirate gang in 1801. She married the leader of the gang, Chang Pao, gaining her the title of “wife of Chang” and earning her a place among the pirate captains in the Red Flag Fleet.
Despite the odds, Ching Shih rose to power within the Red Flag Fleet and established an organization with military-style ranking and punishments. With her skill, diplomacy, and leadership, she put a stop to most of the gang’s activities and developed a formidable reputation.
Consequently, Ching Shih’s fleet gained control of the entire Pearl River Delta and the surrounding coastline, with her at the helm.
As a leader, Ching Shih had several progressive rules in place to protect her pirates, such as outlawing death sentences as a punishment and granting amnesty to those who surrendered.
Furthermore, she also implemented new statutes, such as paying each pirate a portion of the profits of each raid, which allowed her rank-and-file to gain wealth. By…
