A remarkable discovery has been made off the east coast of Madagascar that could potentially link to one of history’s most infamous pirates. A 50 kg silver bar, inscribed with mysterious symbols, has been found in the shallow waters near Sainte Marie Island. This significant find has reignited interest in the legendary pirate Captain William Kidd and the lost treasure he is reputed to have hidden.
Discovery and Significance
In 2015, the silver bar was presented to Madagascar’s president in a special ceremony. This bar, now under armed guard on Sainte Marie Island, features inscriptions that include a ‘T’ and ‘S’ on one side, with other letters and numbers on the reverse. The exact meaning of these inscriptions remains unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding the find.
The discovery was made by a joint U.S./U.K. archaeological research team led by Barry Clifford, an underwater investigator renowned for discovering the remains of Captain Kidd’s ship, the Adventure Galley, in 2000. Clifford and his team believe that there may be additional silver bars like this one still hidden in the wreckage, intensifying the ongoing search for Captain Kidd’s lost treasure.
The Legend of Captain Kidd
Captain William Kidd (1645–1701) was a Scottish sailor who achieved notoriety as one of history’s most infamous pirates. Kidd amassed a fortune estimated at £100,000, which would be approximately £12 million today, before being arrested and executed for piracy and murder. During his trial in London in 1701, Kidd even attempted to trade knowledge of his hidden treasure’s location in exchange for his life.
Kidd’s most famous capture was the 400-tonne ship, the Quedah Merchant, which was laden with silver, silk, gold, sugar, opium, and cloth. After being captured in Boston in 1699, Kidd was imprisoned in Newgate. While the treasure found on his ship was valued at £30,000 (about £10 million today), the remainder of his loot was never recovered. This mystery of the hidden treasure has fueled numerous treasure hunts and contributed significantly to Kidd’s legendary status.
Historical Context and Ongoing Interest
The belief that Kidd buried a substantial portion of his treasure has spurred treasure hunts around the world for centuries. The 50 kg silver bar, valued at over £17,000 at today’s prices, could be part of this famous loot. The quest for Kidd’s treasure has inspired tales of adventure and exploration, including Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island.
In 2007, the wreck of Kidd’s Armenian ship, the Quedagh Merchant, was discovered by archaeologists from the University of Indiana. The ship, which was commandeered by Kidd in 1699, was found to be loaded with valuable items, including silks, muslins, silver, and gold, likely belonging to the British East India Company before Kidd’s capture.
Conclusion
The discovery of the silver bar in Madagascar adds a new chapter to the enduring legend of Captain William Kidd. As the mystery of the inscriptions continues and the search for further treasure goes on, this finding not only revives historical intrigue but also offers potential economic benefits for Madagascar. With hopes of raising the island’s profile for tourism and uncovering more about Kidd’s treasure, the story of Captain Kidd remains as captivating as ever.
