Zheng Yi Sao (aka Ching Shih, Cheng I Sao, Ching Yih Saou or Mrs Cheng, d. 1844) was the chief of a massive pirate confederation which plundered the South China Sea in the early 19th century. She inherited the role from her late husband, Zheng Yi (1765-1807), expanding the pirate fleet and defeating three Chinese flotillas in the process.
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Definition
Timeline
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1801The Chinese pirate Zheng Yi marries a former Cantonese prostitute, Zheng Yi Sao (aka Ching Shih).
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1807 - 1810Zheng Yi Sao leads a large confederation of Chinese pirates and terrorizes the South China Sea.
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Nov 1807Death of the Chinese pirate Zheng Yi (aka Cheng I) either in a typhoon or in action.
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Jul 1808The pirate fleet of Zheng Yi Sao defeats a Chinese imperial naval fleet near Canton.
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Jul 1809The pirate fleet of Zheng Yi Sao defeats a second Chinese imperial naval fleet near Canton.
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Sep 1809A pirate fleet of Zheng Yi Sao attacks Tao-chiao Island killing 1,000 civilians.
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18 Apr 1810The Chinese pirate leader Zheng Yi Sao receives a pardon from the authorities at Canton.
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1844The former pirate chief Zheng Yi Sao dies.
