Mastering IELTS Reading: The Pirates of the Ancient Mediterranean answers with explanation

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the IELTS Reading Passage “The Pirates of the Ancient Mediterranean” from Cambridge IELTS 19 Test 1. This intriguing passage delves into the history of Mediterranean piracy from the first to the third millennium BCE, detailing how pirates impacted trade routes and ancient civilizations. In this blog post, we provide an in-depth analysis of the passage along with the answers and explanations to help you excel in your IELTS Reading test. Whether you are an IELTS candidate or a history enthusiast, this guide will enhance your understanding and improve your reading skills. Let’s explore the passage and tackle the questions together!

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

The pirates of the ancient Mediterranean

In the first and second millennia BCE, pirates sailed around the Mediterranean, attacking ships and avoiding pursuers

A

When one mentions pirates, an image springs to most people’s minds of a crew of misfits, daredevils and adventurers in command of a tall sailing ship in the Caribbean Sea. Yet from the first to the third millennium BCE, thousands of years before these swashbucklers began spreading fear across the Caribbean, pirates prowled the Mediterranean, raiding merchant ships and threatening vital trade routes. However, despite all efforts and the might of various ancient states, piracy could not be stopped. The situation remained unchanged for thousands of years. Only when the pirates directly threatened the interests of ancient Rome did the Roman Republic organise a massive fleet to eliminate piracy. Under the command of the Roman general Pompey, Rome eradicated piracy, transforming the Mediterranean into ‘Mare Nostrum’ (Our Sea).

B

Although piracy in the Mediterranean is first recorded in ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (c 1390–1353 BCE), it is reasonable to assume it predated this powerful civilisation. This is partly due to the great importance the Mediterranean held at this time, and partly due to its geography. While the Mediterranean region is predominantly fertile, some parts are rugged and hilly, even mountainous. In the ancient times, the inhabitants of these areas relied heavily on marine resources, including fish and salt. Most had their own boats, possessed good seafaring skills, and unsurpassed knowledge of the local coastline and sailing routes. Thus, it is not surprising that during hardships, these men turned to piracy. Geography itself further benefited the pirates, with the numerous coves along the coast providing places for them to hide their boats and strike undetected. Before the invention of ocean-going caravels* in the 15th century, ships could not easily cross long distances over open water. Thus, in the ancient world most were restricted to a few well-known navigable routes that followed the coastline. Caught in a trap, a slow merchant ship laden with goods had no other option but to surrender. In addition, knowledge of the local area helped the pirates to avoid retaliation once a state fleet arrived.

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* caravel: a small, highly manoeuvrable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese

C

One should also add that it was not unknown in the first and second millennia BCE for governments to resort to pirates’ services, especially during wartime, employing their skills and numbers against their opponents. A pirate fleet would serve in the first wave of attack, preparing the way for the navy. Some of the regions were known for providing safe harbours to pirates, who, in return, boosted the local economy.

D

The first known record of a named group of Mediterranean pirates, made during the rule of ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten (c 1353–1336 BCE), was in the Amarna Letters. These were extracts of diplomatic correspondence between the pharaoh and his allies, and covered many pressing issues, including piracy. It seems the pharaoh was troubled by two distinct pirate groups, the Lukka and the Sherden. Despite the Egyptian fleet’s best efforts, the pirates continued to cause substantial disruption to regional commerce. In the letters, the king of Alashiya (modern Cyprus) rejected Akhenaten’s claims of a connection with the Lukka (based in modern-day Turkey). The king assured Akhenaten he was prepared to punish any of his subjects involved in piracy.

E

The ancient Greek world’s experience of piracy was different from that of Egyptian rulers. While Egypt’s power was land-based, the ancient Greeks relied on the Mediterranean in almost all aspects of life, from trade to warfare. Interestingly, in his works the Iliad and the Odyssey, the ancient Greek writer Homer not only condones, but praises the lifestyle and actions of pirates. The opinion remained unchanged in the following centuries. The ancient Greek historian Thucydides, for instance, glorified pirates’ daring attacks on ships or even cities. For Greeks, piracy was a part of everyday life. Even high-ranking members of the state were not beyond engaging in such activities. According to the Greek orator Demosthenes, in 355 BCE, Athenian ambassadors made a detour from their official travel to capture a ship sailing from Egypt, taking the wealth found onboard for themselves! The Greeks’ liberal approach towards piracy does not mean they always tolerated it, but attempts to curtail piracy were hampered by the large number of pirates operating in the Mediterranean.

F

The rising power of ancient Rome required the Roman Republic to deal with piracy in the Mediterranean. While piracy was a serious issue for the Republic, Rome profited greatly from its existence. Pirate raids provided a steady source of slaves, essential for Rome’s agriculture and mining industries. But this arrangement could work only while the pirates left Roman interests alone. Pirate attacks on grain ships, which were essential to Roman citizens, led to angry voices in the Senate, demanding punishment of the culprits. Rome, however, did nothing, further encouraging piracy. By the 1st century BCE, emboldened pirates kidnapped prominent Roman dignitaries, asking for a large ransom to be paid. Their most famous hostage was none other than Julius Caesar, captured in 75 BCE.

G

By now, Rome was well aware that pirates had outlived their usefulness. The time had come for concerted action. In 67 BCE, a new law granted Pompey vast funds to combat the Mediterranean menace. Taking personal command, Pompey divided the entire Mediterranean into 13 districts, assigning a fleet and commander to each. After cleansing one district of pirates, the fleet would join another in the next district. The process continued until the entire Mediterranean was free of pirates. Although thousands of pirates died at the hands of Pompey’s troops, as a long-term solution to the problem, many more were offered land in fertile areas located far from the sea. Instead of a maritime menace, Rome got productive farmers that further boosted its economy.

Answers and Explanations for IELTS Reading Passage: The Pirates of the Ancient Mediterranean

Questions and Answers

Detailed Explanations for The Pirates of the Ancient Mediterranean answers

Question 14 (D):

• Answer: D
• Explanation: Paragraph D describes the Amarna Letters, where the king of Alashiya denies any involvement with the Lukka pirates, thereby referencing a denial of involvement in piracy.

Question 15 (G):

• Answer: G
• Explanation: Paragraph G details Pompey’s campaign against piracy, describing how he divided the Mediterranean into districts and systematically cleared each one of pirates.

Question 16 (C):

• Answer: C
• Explanation: Paragraph C discusses how ancient governments sometimes used pirates’ services during wartime, utilizing their seafaring skills to attack opponents.

Question 17 (A):

• Answer: A
• Explanation: Paragraph A contrasts the common modern image of pirates with historical Mediterranean pirates, mentioning the stereotypical view of pirates in the Caribbean.

Question 18 (G):

• Answer: G
• Explanation: Paragraph G explains that many pirates were offered land in fertile areas far from the sea as a long-term solution to prevent them from returning to piracy.

Question 19 (B):

• Answer: B
• Explanation: Paragraph B explains that ancient ships, restricted to coastal routes, had to stay close to land because they couldn’t easily cross open water, making them vulnerable to pirate attacks.

Questions 20 & 21 (B, D):

• Answer: B, D
• Explanation:
  • B: Paragraph B states that pirates used their knowledge of the local coastline to escape capture.
  • D: Paragraph D mentions that inhabitants of the Mediterranean region relied heavily on the sea for their livelihood, more than on farming.

Questions 22 & 23 (C, E):

• Answer: C, E
• Explanation:
  • C: Paragraph C reveals that high-ranking officials in ancient Greece, including Athenian ambassadors, sometimes participated in piracy.
  • E: Paragraph E shows that ancient Greek texts, such as the works of Homer, praised the actions of pirates.

Question 24 (grain):

• Answer: grain
• Explanation: Paragraph F explains that pirate attacks on grain ships caused significant issues for Rome, leading to demands for action.

Question 25 (punishment):

• Answer: punishment
• Explanation: Paragraph F mentions that the Roman Senate demanded punishment for pirates attacking grain ships.

Question 26 (ransom):

• Answer: ransom
• Explanation: Paragraph F describes how pirates demanded ransom for the return of captured Roman dignitaries, including Julius Caesar.

By understanding these explanations and referring back to the passage for context, you can improve your comprehension and accuracy in the IELTS Reading section. Good luck with your preparation!

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