How did society respond to the threat of piracy in the past?

In the past, society responded to the threat of piracy through various measures, including the establishment of naval patrols and the implementation of harsh laws against piracy. Governments often offered bounties for the capture of pirates and established special courts to expedite their prosecution. Additionally, some nations engaged in diplomatic efforts to suppress piracy by forming alliances or negotiating treaties. Ultimately, these efforts aimed to protect trade routes and maintain maritime security.