Pirate ships always used flags, but it wasn't until the early 1700s that Pirates started hoisting black flags decorated with ominous symbols and morbid imagery called Jolly Rogers. The basic Jolly Roger featured a skull above crossbones which symbolized the crew's reckless disregard for life and announced the deadly consequences of resisting their attack.

Variations of this classic icon appeared as creative pirates started to embellish their flags with new symbols in an attempt to differentiate themselves from the competition. Crossed swords were used to represent a swift and violent death to anyone who resisted, red drops represented blood and hourglasses warned that time was running out for victims to surrender.

Despite their confrontational tone, the main purpose of the Jolly Roger was to intimidate target ships into surrendering without a fight. Some of the best pirates were so good at this psychological warfare that they succeeded mostly on the strength of their nasty reputation and an imposing Jolly Roger.