Edward Teach/Thatch, better known as Blackbeard, was a notorious pirate from England who went on to become one of history’s most infamous figures due to the adventures he undertook. There is very little information available about his childhood, but early records mention that he worked as a privateer (commissioned pirate) for the British Empire. The earliest records mention his conquests as a pirate during the War of the Spanish succession. His reputation grew and his crew was feared by all vessels. He later settled his base at North Carolina where he established his name. The rumors of a buried treasure attributed to his conquests continue to elude people as the treasure is yet to be found, and it possibly never existed. He became a notorious pirate due to his terrorizing manner and dictatorship. He was eventually killed in a conquest by the British Naval force, after which his body was decapitated and his skull was attached to the ship. His commanding stature became an inspiration for various books and movies, and his swashbuckling image keeps him alive in the popular culture.