Aruj Barbarossa

Lore

Barbary Coast

Known for his red beard, Aruj is credited with the creation of the first Barbary Corsair fleets. Under his leadership, they began their domination of the Barbary Coast by proving that the galley could take on the biggest European ships. (Linked to Kheir-ed-din)

Trivia

Probably based on the historical figure "Arouj Reis 'Barbarossa' ", one of two Turkish brothers and corsairs known for their red beards who plundered the Eastern Mediterrannean and the waters off North Africa.

He became the ruler of Algiers in 1515 (after strangling the emir who had sent for his help) and waged successful war against the Spaniards around Algiers, expelling them from much previously taken territory. He died in 1518 in a battle at Tlemcen.