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In the 17th and 18th C. the North African coast bordering the Mediterranean, was considered lawless and most of the ports were home to large pirate fleets. Sailors traveling on merchant vessels passing the Gibraltar Straights were fearful and alert. From the ports of Algiers and Tripoli and others groups of fast sailing galleys chased slower moving merchant vessels and could only be held off by well aimed cannons. Many ships and crew were captured. Captives were sold at Barbary slave markets or sometimes ransomed by kin back home. An ancient maritime map is etched on our solid brass box with a tight fitting lid. A historical document...