An essay on pirate treasure in Madagascar

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

I have written an essay suggesting that there is a high possibility that pirate treasures still lie dormant in Madagascar, using an analogy based on the "threat/emergency model" from history and archaeology. If you are interested, please take a look. I also look forward to your feedback.

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Pirate treasure still lies buried in Madagascar today

When people hear the term “pirate treasure,” many imagine the Caribbean. However, according to the views of historians, it is unlikely that they actually hid treasure there. Caribbean pirates tended to attack small merchant ships rather than treasure galleons.1

These pirates exchanged the daily necessities looted from merchant ships for cash on land, then squandered that money on alcohol, gambling, and women until it was gone. Therefore, it is inconceivable that such pirates would have buried treasure.

However, there is an exception.

The “Pirate Round” refers to the era from the 1680s to 1730. During this period, many European pirates circumnavigated the Cape of Good Hope to attack the treasure ships of the Mughal Empire and Arabia traversing the Indian Ocean. Famous pirates such as Henry Every and Captain Kidd belong to this era.

Those who succeeded in their plundering retired to Madagascar with their loot. Unlike the Caribbean pirates, they seized massive quantities of gold, silver, and gemstones. Since there were no places in the Indian Ocean to squander such vast wealth, the pirates lived out their lives in Madagascar while keeping the treasure in their possession.2

However, Madagascar was literally a “battlefield” for them. On the island, pirates were frequently killed by hostile indigenous people or by one another in mutual slaughter.

According to a report from 1714, the indigenous population was killing pirates one after another.3 In 1720, the pirate group led by Captain Edward Congdon (Christopher Condent) suffered several casualties after being poisoned by the locals.4 Meanwhile, the pirates did not cooperate with each other; instead, they equipped their homes with barricades and cannons to prepare for conflict among themselves.5

According to a 1724 letter from the Governor of Réunion, the number of pirates decreased rapidly in a short period due to killings by the indigenous people and infighting among the pirates.5

Furthermore, despite possessing immense wealth, the pirates were not blessed with the opportunity to use it. Historical records of the time support this fact.

A letter from 1724 mentions that although the pirates held vast amounts of diamonds, they were unable to purchase basic necessities.5 In 1730, a French sailor who had been a prisoner under Captain Taylor and La Buse wrote that while the pirates possessed great treasure, they could not buy daily necessities and lived in constant fear.6

The “Threat/Emergency Model” is a term used in history and archaeology to explain why humans bury treasure to hide it and why such treasure is discovered by later generations.7

In Britain, for example, treasure hidden by Romans is discovered almost every year. Scholars believe that as a result of foreign tribes invading Britain, the Romans buried their treasure as a temporary measure, but because the owners were subsequently killed or enslaved, the treasure was never recovered.

The reason why the “Great Kentucky Hoard” discovered in the United States in the 2020s was hidden can also be explained by this model. Researchers believe this treasure was buried by a wealthy Kentuckian as a result of internal strife within the state8 or out of a sense of threat from raids by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan.9

The situation of the pirates in Madagascar described above is a prime example of the Threat/Emergency Model.

In other words, in a situation where there is no opportunity to use hard-won treasure and where indigenous attacks and infighting are frequent, one would hide treasure in the ground to protect it from enemies.However, on an island that is like a “battlefield,” the owners can easily lose their lives.

Under such circumstances, there is a high possibility that “pirate treasure,” lost without ever being recovered, still lies dormant in the land of Madagascar today.

What is needed now is for treasure to be discovered by people who use legal and open methods. If achieved, it would make a significant contribution to history and archaeology, and become a very valuable tourism resource for Madagascar.


1. https://web.archive.org/web/2017022...idd-and-the-myth-of-buried-treasure/#_ftnref6

2. Jan Rogozinski Honor Among Thieves p.233

3. Revue de géographie volume 27 p.361

4.https://bcbrooks.blogspot.com/2017/10/pirate-edward-congdon-retires.html

5. https://bcbrooks.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-degradation-of-la-buse-30-september.html

6. Collection des ouvrages anciens concernant Madagascar volume 5 p.61

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350671488_'The_hoarding_of_Roman_Gold_and_Silver_in_Fifth_Century_Britain'_in_F_Haarer_ed_The_End_of_Roman_Britain_AD_410_in_2010_London_Society_for_the_Promotion_of_Roman_Studies_117-129

8. https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/11795/kentucky-hoard-civil-war-coins/

9. https://www.livescience.com/archaeo...0-civil-war-era-coins-buried-in-his-cornfield

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(From my own article)

 

[Bocaj]

I have written an essay suggesting that there is a high possibility that pirate treasures still lie dormant in Madagascar, using an analogy based on the "threat/emergency model" from history and archaeology. If you are interested, please take a look. I also look forward to your feedback & contact.

---

Pirate treasure still lies buried in Madagascar today

When people hear the term “pirate treasure,” many imagine the Caribbean. However, according to the views of historians, it is unlikely that they actually hid treasure there. Caribbean pirates tended to attack small merchant ships rather than treasure galleons.1

These pirates exchanged the daily necessities looted from merchant ships for cash on land, then squandered that money on alcohol, gambling, and women until it was gone. Therefore, it is inconceivable that such pirates would have buried treasure.

However, there is an exception.

The “Pirate Round” refers to the era from the 1680s to 1730. During this period, many European pirates circumnavigated the Cape of Good Hope to attack the treasure ships of the Mughal Empire and Arabia traversing the Indian Ocean. Famous pirates such as Henry Every and Captain Kidd belong to this era.

Those who succeeded in their plundering retired to Madagascar with their loot. Unlike the Caribbean pirates, they seized massive quantities of gold, silver, and gemstones. Since there were no places in the Indian Ocean to squander such vast wealth, the pirates lived out their lives in Madagascar while keeping the treasure in their possession.2

However, Madagascar was literally a “battlefield” for them. On the island, pirates were frequently killed by hostile indigenous people or by one another in mutual slaughter.

According to a report from 1714, the indigenous population was killing pirates one after another.3 In 1720, the pirate group led by Captain Edward Congdon (Christopher Condent) suffered several casualties after being poisoned by the locals.4 Meanwhile, the pirates did not cooperate with each other; instead, they equipped their homes with barricades and cannons to prepare for conflict among themselves.5

According to a 1724 letter from the Governor of Réunion, the number of pirates decreased rapidly in a short period due to killings by the indigenous people and infighting among the pirates.5

Furthermore, despite possessing immense wealth, the pirates were not blessed with the opportunity to use it. Historical records of the time support this fact.

A letter from 1724 mentions that although the pirates held vast amounts of diamonds, they were unable to purchase basic necessities.5 In 1730, a French sailor who had been a prisoner under Captain Taylor and La Buse wrote that while the pirates possessed great treasure, they could not buy daily necessities and lived in constant fear.6

The “Threat/Emergency Model” is a term used in history and archaeology to explain why humans bury treasure to hide it and why such treasure is discovered by later generations.7

In Britain, for example, treasure hidden by Romans is discovered almost every year. Scholars believe that as a result of foreign tribes invading Britain, the Romans buried their treasure as a temporary measure, but because the owners were subsequently killed or enslaved, the treasure was never recovered.

The reason why the “Great Kentucky Hoard” discovered in the United States in the 2020s was hidden can also be explained by this model. Researchers believe this treasure was buried by a wealthy Kentuckian as a result of internal strife within the state8 or out of a sense of threat from raids by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan.9

The situation of the pirates in Madagascar described above is a prime example of the Threat/Emergency Model.

In other words, in a situation where there is no opportunity to use hard-won treasure and where indigenous attacks and infighting are frequent, one would hide treasure in the ground to protect it from enemies.However, on an island that is like a “battlefield,” the owners can easily lose their lives.

Under such circumstances, there is a high possibility that “pirate treasure,” lost without ever being recovered, still lies dormant in the land of Madagascar today.

What is needed now is for treasure to be discovered by people who use legal and open methods. If achieved, it would make a significant contribution to history and archaeology, and become a very valuable tourism resource for Madagascar.


1. https://web.archive.org/web/2017022...idd-and-the-myth-of-buried-treasure/#_ftnref6

2. Jan Rogozinski Honor Among Thieves p.233

3. Revue de géographie volume 27 p.361

4.https://bcbrooks.blogspot.com/2017/10/pirate-edward-congdon-retires.html

5. https://bcbrooks.blogspot.com/2020/09/the-degradation-of-la-buse-30-september.html

6. Collection des ouvrages anciens concernant Madagascar volume 5 p.61

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350671488_'The_hoarding_of_Roman_Gold_and_Silver_in_Fifth_Century_Britain'_in_F_Haarer_ed_The_End_of_Roman_Britain_AD_410_in_2010_London_Society_for_the_Promotion_of_Roman_Studies_117-129

8. https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/11795/kentucky-hoard-civil-war-coins/

9. https://www.livescience.com/archaeo...0-civil-war-era-coins-buried-in-his-cornfield

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(From my Medium article)

A well researched essay with many interesting ideas to discuss.

- the “Threat/Emergency Model” is quite valid for treasures buried in Britain but I doubt it is applicable to the Indian ocean. Any position lost through fighting against indigenous populations will in all possibility be inaccessible for recovery. Burying treasure would not be a very good idea under those circumstances.
- The value of those treasures was very low if they couldn't even exchange it for basic necessities. Why would they hide it in a way that would be slow to fetch if they had to retreat from there position?
- Most pirates were probably planning their return to the Western world and the amount of treasure collected already presented a major problem of secure transport I doubt they would be inclined to rob each other to elevate this problem.

Not saying it isn't possible to find treasure there but I would not necessary use those arguments made by you essay.

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

- the “Threat/Emergency Model” is quite valid for treasures buried in Britain but I doubt it is applicable to the Indian ocean. Any position lost through fighting against indigenous populations will in all possibility be inaccessible for recovery. Burying treasure would not be a very good idea under those circumstances.

It's about someone who felt danger and temporarily hid their treasure. In other words, at that point, they didn't know they would be defeated and lose their position.

- The value of those treasures was very low if they couldn't even exchange it for basic necessities. Why would they hide it in a way that would be slow to fetch if they had to retreat from there position?

As for diamonds, there was no market on Réunion Island at that time where they could be sold. But, it does not mean that the treasure itself has lost its value.

According to the records of French captives, the pirates suffered from a shortage of European daily necessities. However, they continued to possess the treasure itself.

- Most pirates were probably planning their return to the Western world and the amount of treasure collected already presented a major problem of secure transport I doubt they would be inclined to rob each other to elevate this problem.

That is unknown; it likely varied from person to person.

Captain Cleyton, who went to Réunion Island to seek a pardon, was murdered by his own fellow pirates. After the raid on the Cabo, Captain Taylor attempted to attack an Arabian fortified city in Mozambique in search of further riches, but was restrained by the other pirates. The crew then decided to head for Madagascar, concluding that they already possessed sufficient wealth. Furthermore, a record from 1719 notes that a pirate who had succeeded in four separate plunders was not satisfied, but instead sought even more treasure.

 

[Bocaj]

Each pirate lived in a location fortified by barricades and cannons, with everyone keeping each other in check. In such circumstances, the common way to kill an enemy pirate was to invade their camp and engage in close-quarters combat. Under such circumstances, it was logical for the pirates under attack to hide their treasure as a temporary expedient. (Emergency)

Exactly under those circumstances he would have no reason to bury anything. If he is dead he would had no use for it. Best for him to keep his belongings close in any case. It is not so easy to bury anything and be absolutely sure no one is watching.

Furthermore, when indigenous people killed pirates, although physical methods were sometimes used, poisoning appears to have been more common. It would not be surprising if a pirate, feeling uneasy as others were being poisoned, hid their treasure in a place only they could find. (Threat)

I see no prove for poisoning the common method. So far there is documentation of one case. In general those documents have to be taken with a grain of salt. Not everything that is told is necessarily the truth.

But even if - I don't think the locals would be motivated by the idea to steal a treasure that has little worth in the local economy but are rather driven by conflicts originated in different cultural backgrounds. This is supporting my argument that any position the pirates would loose would be difficult to access in future because the locals would watch the place to make sure those foreigners stay away forever.

I do not see much treasure buried by individual pirates under those circumstances but collective treasure this is another idea entirely. The pirates would be inclined to keep the crew together as return to the Atlantic around the Cape of Good Hope needed a fully crewed and maintained vessel. Also they need to wait until the right season and keep discipline. Hiding the treasure until departure with only a few loyal crew knowing the whereabouts could be a good idea under those circumstances.

Captain Cleyton, who went to Réunion Island to seek a pardon, was murdered by his own fellow pirates. After the raid on the Cabo, Captain Taylor attempted to attack an Arabian fortified city in Mozambique in search of further riches, but was restrained by the other pirates. The crew then decided to head for Madagascar, concluding that they already possessed sufficient wealth. Furthermore, a record from 1719 notes that a pirate who had succeeded in four separate plunders was not satisfied, but instead sought even more treasure.

View attachment 2247235

Possibly true and even if they had already more than enough plunder the safest way to keep the crew together and supplied.

 

[Bocaj]

Please check the definition of the Threat/Emergency Model again.It refers to a situation where someone hid treasure as a temporary measure but was unable to recover it for some reason, such as death.

Yes but it also needs to have at least a reasonable chance of recovery by either himself or relatives/close friends which in this special case in the Indian ocean far away from home wasn't given.

There are at least three [of them]. Two of them are "This" and "This" which I cited in the essay. The third one is an account from a Frenchman who was held captive. According to him, 80 pirates were poisoned to death because La Buse and Taylor's pirate crew treated the indigenous people with great cruelty.

Not disputing the accounts but it states "great cruelty" which I don't think was the common method of treating the locals neither. It seems to me a kind of escalating situation which allows for all good manners in battle to vanish.

Also if poisoning was common they would have been much more careful never all of them eating or drinking from the same source!

So I still have no reason to believe that poisoning was the common method.

Also, there are multiple records from that time stating that indigenous people who massacred the pirates took away their treasure.

What else would they do? Just letting it laying around? I think it was simply not their primary motivation to attack them!

 

[Bocaj]

It doesn’t mean it in that sense. The treasure was buried in the ground as a temporary measure. The plan was to dig it up again after driving the enemy away. However, the person who buried it ended up dying in the battle.

I don't think that given their small number they would count on that possibility - "driving the enemy away". I would rather assume they pack their valuables and flee as soon they have the chance but its difficult to say what someone did centuries ago in some distant place. I don't say your scenario never happened but I caution against the idea that it happened often enough to justify any expedition.

 

[Bocaj]

Pirates back then kept many slaves.

I don't understand. Do you mean they would count on their slaves to fight for them to recover a lost position?

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

let me explain my idea in a little more detail for a third party.

What I place the emphasis on is "inductive reasoning". In other words, if A, B, C, and D share roughly the same conditions, and A through C all converge on the same outcome Z, then it is reasonable to infer that D will likely converge on Z as well. Of course, we must remain cautious, because there may be some unique circumstance specific to D that prevents it from converging to Z.

Another point I consider crucial is focusing on the situation rather than the individual. It is difficult to reconstruct the actions of "specific individuals" like Henry Every, Captain Kidd, or Olivier Levasseur (La Buse) based on the sparse data available. Many such attempts end up being led astray by "fake treasure map" or "fake cryptogram."

However, we can confirm the actual circumstances and environments people (the nameless pirates) were placed in by examining multiple historical sources from the period. By applying inductive reasoning, it is possible to infer general behavioral patterns of people placed in those specific situations. (Conversely, predicting how a "specific individual" would have acted is extremely difficult.)

Returning to the buried treasure discussion: When wealthy people find themselves in situations where they sense danger, they hide their treasures somewhere as a temporary measure. For various reasons these remain unrecovered, but in modern times they have been discovered. Cases like this have occurred all over the world.

Therefore, my opinion is that there is no particular reason to assume that treasure concealment did not occur in the case of the Madagascar pirates, where similar conditions were present.

With this premise in mind, please reread my first and third posts.

 

[Bocaj]

let me explain my idea in a little more detail for a third party.

What I place the emphasis on is "inductive reasoning". In other words, if A, B, C, and D share roughly the same conditions, and A through C all converge on the same outcome Z, then it is reasonable to infer that D will likely converge on Z as well. Of course, we must remain cautious, because there may be some unique circumstance specific to D that prevents it from converging to Z.

Another point I consider crucial is focusing on the situation rather than the individual. It is difficult to reconstruct the actions of "specific individuals" like Henry Every, Captain Kidd, or Olivier Levasseur (La Buse) based on the sparse data available. Many such attempts end up being led astray by "fake treasure map" or "fake cryptogram."

However, we can confirm the actual circumstances and environments people (the nameless pirates) were placed in by examining multiple historical sources from the period. By applying inductive reasoning, it is possible to infer general behavioral patterns of people placed in those specific situations. (Conversely, predicting how a "specific individual" would have acted is extremely difficult.)

Both approaches seem to me valid and which one is preferable depends on the specific circumstances. Also one doesn't exclude the other. There is also the third approach resulting from the sparse documentation of both the individual and the general piracy in the 17/18th century Indian ocean piracy. Live like them to understand their ways. That's what we doing.

Returning to the buried treasure discussion: When wealthy people find themselves in situations where they sense danger, they hide their treasures somewhere as a temporary measure. For various reasons these remain unrecovered, but in modern times they have been discovered. Cases like this have occurred all over the world.

Sure they do this and have probably done there too - no one disputes that. But I do not think that the situation at the time favored this behavior. (see my arguments above) as other alternatives existed. The pirate habit of burying treasure is as much a myth as the maps with the 'x' pointing to them.

Therefore, my opinion is that there is no particular reason to assume that treasure concealment did not occur in the case of the Madagascar pirates, where similar conditions were present.

The only similarity I can see is the threat and there it basically ends. The social and geographical situation was very different (and still is).

With this premise in mind, please reread my first and third posts.

I do not want to discourage you in any way, just to caution you against overly optimistic forecasts. This battlefield is already covered with the poor souls of those who thought to find pirate treasure following formulas, maps or methods.

Also I mentioned it now multiple times:

The idea of recovery is very important and is overlooked in many places of those who write about treasures.

In a place thousands of miles away from home and without being able to count on the support from the EIC or similar institutions retrieval (temporary or otherwise) becomes a very difficult task indeed. What they leave behind is lost and they would know that. Only a bigger amount of treasure would justify an expedition to recover it. Much bigger than an individual pirate could have owned.

Also many forget: Pirates are seafarers not farmers. Digging holes in the ground comes easy for the latter but for someone knowing to sail the oceans returning to any place is anything than a straight line, in many places you have to wait many months for a favorable winds to return!

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

I deleted a few comments, as I believed we should focus more on the overall situation.

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

I'd like to hear third-party opinions, so I'll limit my replies to this one.

I do not want to discourage you in any way, just to caution you against overly optimistic forecasts. This battlefield is already covered with the poor souls of those who thought to find pirate treasure following formulas, maps or methods.

I'm saying there's no reason to treat someone specially just because they're a pirate. The overall tendency of people's actions in a given situation is largely the same. Behavior in dangerous conditions, in particular, does not differ significantly by country or region.

Also I mentioned it now multiple times:

The idea of recovery is very important and is overlooked in many places of those who write about treasures.

In a place thousands of miles away from home and without being able to count on the support from the EIC or similar institutions retrieval (temporary or otherwise) becomes a very difficult task indeed. What they leave behind is lost and they would know that. Only a bigger amount of treasure would justify an expedition to recover it. Much bigger than an individual pirate could have owned.

Also many forget: Pirates are seafarers not farmers. Digging holes in the ground comes easy for the latter but for someone knowing to sail the oceans returning to any place is anything than a straight line, in many places you have to wait many months for a favorable winds to return!

It is true that early Pirate Round pirates often returned to the West, but as time went on, returning became increasingly difficult. While some retired on Réunion Island, they were in the minority. (About 180 people between 1687 and 1730)

The pirates I am referring to are those who retired in Madagascar.

 

[Bocaj]

I'I'm saying there's no reason to treat someone specially just because they're a pirate. The overall tendency of people's actions in a given situation is largely the same. Behavior in dangerous conditions, in particular, does not differ significantly by country or region.

That is a quite strong claim which basically reduces different cultures to mere folklore. A dangerous worldview especially in times of conflict when you predict the enemies moves by using your own ideas as base.

It is true that early Pirate Round pirates often returned to the West, but as time went on, returning became increasingly difficult. While some retired on Réunion Island, they were in the minority. (About 180 people between 1687 and 1730)

The pirates I am referring to are those who retired in Madagascar.

Of how many pirates do we speak here? (Madagascar is one of the largest islands of the world!)

 

[Bocaj]

Bocaj, the communication cost with you seems to be extremely high. It appears you are not understanding the meaning of my messages.

You are at liberty to think so but writing it here does a dis-service to your ideas.

This is different from disagreeing after understanding the other party's opinion. I must decline any further communication.

Your invited us to discuss your ideas here and the only one who at least saw a bit of merit in them you do insult - a sad state of affairs. We are both heading in the same direction and have a minor difference of methods. That we can't find common ground on is not surprising as there is very little meat in the game. The few documents you cited are not enough and without more facts (like the amount of pirates that settled) there is no reason to settle for a definite conclusion.

 

[Bocaj]

Forget about treasure legends and stories.

Yes forget especially about that story where arrogant Europeans get poisoned. Take a flight and see for yourself how you approach works out. All technology, AI and science. Good luck!!!

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

The “Threat/Emergency Model” is a term used in history and archaeology to explain why humans bury treasure to hide it and why such treasure is discovered by later generations.7

In Britain, for example, treasure hidden by Romans is discovered almost every year. Scholars believe that as a result of foreign tribes invading Britain, the Romans buried their treasure as a temporary measure, but because the owners were subsequently killed or enslaved, the treasure was never recovered.

The reason why the “Great Kentucky Hoard” discovered in the United States in the 2020s was hidden can also be explained by this model. Researchers believe this treasure was buried by a wealthy Kentuckian as a result of internal strife within the state8 or out of a sense of threat from raids by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan.9

The situation of the pirates in Madagascar described above is a prime example of the Threat/Emergency Model.

In other words, in a situation where there is no opportunity to use hard-won treasure and where indigenous attacks and infighting are frequent, one would hide treasure in the ground to protect it from enemies.However, on an island that is like a “battlefield,” the owners can easily lose their lives.

Such hoards have been discovered in Spain, Israel (massacres of local populations by the Crusaders 2 | Sassanid Persian invasions of the Byzantine Empire 3), Russia (during the Russian Revolution 4 |Mongol Empire raids 5), Bulgaria, and elsewhere.

From these cases, we can see that a certain number of people placed in dangerous situations temporarily buried their treasures underground. (Of course, not everyone did so.) This tendency does not show significant differences across countries or regions. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that the same likely occurred among the pirates of Madagascar.

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

I forgot to mention something important.

Madagascar is the only place in the world where the lost treasures of the Golden Age of Piracy might still lie hidden.1 These forgotten treasures should be discovered by people using legitimate methods and then made public to the entire world. If this were to happen, it would bring tremendous advances to history and archaeology, while at the same time creating an incredibly valuable tourism resource.

I am currently planning an expedition to Madagascar in strict compliance with local laws, and I am seeking researchers and scholars who are willing to collaborate with me. Please note that even in the event that treasure is discovered, no financial profit can be obtained.

Please contact me via the form if you would like to cooperate in achieving this goal.

(Also, I welcome criticisms based on primary or secondary sources.)

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

Such hoards have been discovered in Spain, Israel (massacres of local populations by the Crusaders 2 | Sassanid Persian invasions of the Byzantine Empire 3), Russia (during the Russian Revolution 4 |Mongol Empire raids 5), Bulgaria, and elsewhere.

Note: Similar treasures (referred to as "hoards" in archaeology) have been discovered across the globe. A common thread among these actual finds is that there are almost no specific records, legends, or stories indicating their existence or location.

 

[AstralDruid]

I have found this discussion very interesting, mainly for one reason.... it confirms my opinion, that treasure hunting is to be done alone and is not in any way a team or social event.. so differing from archaeologic endeavors.
Yes we are all free to have our own versions of the theme.
Is the 'pirate era' property of archaeology departments? or is it fair game for hunters with the same spirit as those who marked the X on the spot ? ...............who decides ?
I like the stories, the mystery and the intrigue of the hunt.... curiously embellished or intentionally misleading information is part and parcel of the adventure. The technology only compliments the intelligence of the seeker.
Anyone who undertakes a treasure hunt (of whatever scale) is in it for themselves, perhaps not for the monetary gain, maybe just for the 'glory' and a deserved place in lore and legend, there are other reasons to get involved, but they all include personal gain in some shape or form.
To say a treasure should be found for any reason that alludes to 'morality' or 'cultural enrichment' is venturing into the field of archaeology, and from there on it is not treasure (as commonly used) but an historical reference point, a cultural talking point, a matter of national pride and a collective patting of academic backs.
If a treasure hunter wants to hand it over for the common good, fair play.........
If someone wants to find it and let it benefit their lives, fair play....
It is only metal, stones and pride.
Perhaps the story and the adventure are the real reward.

 

[Crow]

I like a lot your methodology in you Essay to certain degree, There is much I agree with you with. But I suspect AI has helped you come to some erroneous conclusions.

I cannot understand the dismissive reasoning that you say the only golden age of piracy treasure to be found is Madagascar? Or stating that there is no such things as treasure maps or directions thou very rare.

In the Examination of Edward Davis Date: 1699 Reference: CO 5/860 (64xvi) Creator: Colonial Office, Commonwealth and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, Empire Marketing Board, and related bodies Catalogue context: Correspondence, original - Board of Trade. Categories: Overseas; Piracy Subjects: Captain William Kidd;

A chest was buried by the pirate Jame Guilliam in Delaware Bay, which sometimes gets falsely claimed to be Kidd's. "Jame Guilliam" was the alias used by the notorious pirate James Kelly (or Kelley), who was transported to England and tried alongside Captain William Kidd. Kelly was found guilty of piracy and executed by hanging at Execution Dock in London on July 12, 1701, approximately two months after Kidd's execution on May 23, 1701. Sailing with Kidd: James Kelly joined Captain Kidd on his return voyage to North America from Madagascar in 1699. Kelly (using the name Gilliam) departed from Kidd in Delaware, taking his treasure ashore. ( Golden age of piracy treasure is it not?"

Another discovery of a possible treasure cache when a misfiled letter was found in the Scottish Records Office below of Henry Avery date 1700. Another golden age of piracy treasure is it not?

This co inside with this later document below. Both are remarkably similar. Both are related to the golden age of Piracy.
Kresen Kernow, Little Vauxhall, Redruth TR15 1AS kresenkernow@cornwall.gov.uk

This intriguing document suggests Avery (or Henry Every) the pirate buried his treasure near the Lizard after his daring 1695 raid on ships in the Arabian sea (J/1/2277). Interesting enough Mogul Coins have been found.

So to right off the rest of world from the possibility of buried treasure from the golden age of piracy reeks a little of confirmation bias to determine or for better word highlight that Madagascar is only site for buried treasure pertaining to the golden age of piracy. While Isle saint Marie has high likelihood of buried caches its not sole place to find pirate treasure.

I have documents pertaining to many buried caches not just solely in regards piracy in gold age. Some I can post others I am bound by non disclosure agreements.

And please keep away the tired old academic claims their no such thing as treasure maps is incorrect. Although very rare there has been multiple examples of treasure being found by the use of a map. Another pet peeve treasure maps was invented by Robert Louie Stevenson. Both are incorrect.


Here is an example below from various eras.

A world war Two treasure discovered.

treasure found with a treasure map

Another case is Roger David Casement Cached valuables and drew a treasure map and valuables was recovered.

Buried treasure recovered from a map.

I have more but I am too old too tied to re-post things that have been posted before.


I can see your method of a balancing act selling your project concept via an essay. But I think if you promoting searching for treasure under the pretext of virtual signaling to a government in Madagascar rife with corruption is little naive in the realities of these places. UNESCO site covers land and sea. Unless you are backed by university I doubt the French archeologist in charge of handling the UNESCO site will agree to promoting any search for treasure. Those days are long gone.

Promotion of searching for artifacts at pirate camps sites to understand the cultural implications of various nationalities infusing with indigenous population in that time period of gold age of piracy. ( Leave out the dirty word Treasure to archeologist from your essay ) If you discover treasure by accident while searching for cultural diverse artifacts in the context of researching cultural diffusion of the pirates with local natives and slaves. Then so be it.





Crow

 

[THE TRUE SEEKER]

I like a lot your methodology in you Essay to certain degree, There is much I agree with you with. But I suspect AI has helped you come to some erroneous conclusions.

I cannot understand the dismissive reasoning that you say the only golden age of piracy treasure to be found is Madagascar? Or stating that there is no such things as treasure maps or directions thou very rare.

It seems my previous posts were a bit unclear in intent. I don't mean to deny that exceptions exist. Here is one example:

What I’m trying to say is that almost all discovered treasures do not have such records. It makes more sense to focus on the typical cases rather than the rare ones.

Please see the description by Rogozinski that I previously linked. He compares the circumstances surrounding Caribbean pirates with those of Indian Ocean pirates. What's remarkable about him is his focus on the circumstances people were in at that time. I believe this is crucial because the treasures being discovered around the world are often multiple hoards hidden by nameless individuals who were forced by necessity to conceal them.

( Golden age of piracy treasure is it not?"

That treasure has already been discovered.

For example:

I know that Kidd's treasure was discovered on Gardiners Island. Does that mean I would go looking for Kidd's treasure? It's not a very meaningful act, because Kidd's treasure has already been discovered on Gardiners Island.

Another discovery of a possible treasure cache when a misfiled letter was found in the Scottish Records Office below of Henry Avery date 1700. Another golden age of piracy treasure is it not?

The Pirate King by Sean Kingsley and Rex Cowan review — The Times

And please keep away the tired old academic claims their no such thing as treasure maps is incorrect. Although very rare there has been multiple examples of treasure being found by the use of a map. Another pet peeve treasure maps was invented by Robert Louie Stevenson. Both are incorrect.


Here is an example below from various eras.

A world war Two treasure discovered.

treasure found with a treasure map

Another case is Roger David Casement Cached valuables and drew a treasure map and valuables was recovered.

Buried treasure recovered from a map.

When the notion of treasure maps is dismissed, the underlying premise is usually the treasure maps left behind by pirates who operated in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy. This is because, influenced by Treasure Island and other entertainment, most people equate pirates with the Caribbean and believe they buried treasure and left behind treasure maps. And so-called experts appear in various media to debunk such myths. They generally specialize in the Golden Age of Piracy, for the reasons I mentioned earlier.

Therefore, I believe the examples you raised are outside of that context and premise.