The sea route around the Cape of Good Hope used by many early-eighteenth-century pirates was called the Pirate Round.
The Pirate Round linked the Atlantic and Indian Ocean worlds. Pirates sailed from the Atlantic around southern Africa, often stopping at Madagascar or nearby islands before attacking richly laden ships connected to European trade with India and the East Indies.
The route became especially attractive after the end of the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713, when many former privateers lost legal commissions and sought new opportunities. Indian Ocean shipping offered valuable targets, including vessels carrying spices, textiles, precious metals, and other luxury goods.
The Pirate Round was not a single fixed itinerary. Its exact course depended on wind, intelligence, available supplies, and the location of likely prizes. It is distinct from the Spanish Main, which refers broadly to Spain’s mainland territories around the Caribbean.