Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, was the notorious pirate active in the Caribbean during the early 18th century. He became infamous for his fearsome appearance, characterized by his long black beard and his dramatic use of cannon fire and smoke to intimidate his enemies. Blackbeard commanded several ships, most notably the Queen Anne's Revenge, and was known for his ruthless tactics. His piracy was part of the so-called "Golden Age of Piracy," and he became a legendary figure in popular culture, embodying the archetypal "romanticized" pirate of the era.