Ching Shih What do you imagine, when you hear the word "pirate"? An one-eyed man with a parrot on his shoulder and a wooden leg? Now, pay attention to the picture: this is Ching Shih, the Chinese sea robber which is believed to be the most successful pirate in the history. She commanded a fleet of 2000 ships and more than 70000 sailors. Ching Shih was 26 years old when, in 1801, Chinese pirates took her from the brothel in Guangzhou. The pirates ringleader Cheng I proposed to her. She agreed, but, as the legend says, with the condition she would participate in operations' leadership and loot sharing. The pirate took her conditions. In six years, together they demolished all their rivals at the South-China Sea and enlarged their fleet to 400 ships. When in 1807 Cheng I died, the widow took became the only leader. The new captain pursued quite tough laws and managed to turn a bandit troop into a disciplined army. Pirates tried to rebel, but a row of demonstrative executions made them to obey. Villages near sea moved under the will of Ching Shih (her authority guaranteed a calm life) and equipped her fleet with all the necessary. In January, 1808, the whole Chinese fleet was used for the battle with pirates. Ching Shih lured then into a cunning trap, won the battle and took more than 60 ships. China also tried to use western adventurists to take her over, all in vain. At last, the authorities offered her a peace treaty, which was accepted. The pirates (estimated from 17 to 80 thousand people) got full amnesty. They kept their loot and were taken to the emperor's service. It was the end of pirates in Chinese waters. Ching Shih lived to the age of 69. She was a hostess of a hotel (with a brothel and a gambling house) and made the most glittering pirate career in the history.