Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Great Pirate Era (大航海时代) |
| Beginning | Gol D. Roger’s execution in Loguetown 13 |
| Catalyst | Roger’s declaration that his treasure was available to whoever could find it 13 |
| Status | Ongoing at the time of the Summit War 244 282 |
History
Before his execution, Gol D. Roger told the crowd in Loguetown to seek the treasure he had left behind. His declaration began the Great Pirate Era 13. The World Government later regarded Roger’s lasting influence—not merely his strength—as the reason he remained a threat to its authority 223.
The era changed life across the seas. Piracy disrupted the trade on which Water 7’s shipbuilding industry depended 116. Fish-Man Island’s position on a major sea route exposed its residents to pirates who captured mermaids for slavery; conditions improved after Whitebeard declared the island his territory 170. In the New World, the four strongest pirate crews came to be known as the Yonko, one of the Grand Line’s three major powers alongside the Shichibukai and Marine Headquarters 251.
The Summit War
The Summit War was described as the largest conflict since the era began. It started with the Marines’ planned execution of Ace and Whitebeard’s effort to rescue him, then drew in additional pirate crews and other powers 244 251.
By then, doubt about whether Roger’s treasure, ONE PIECE, existed had spread. The World Government secretly encouraged that doubt, hoping it could eventually declare Roger’s claim a lie and bring the era to an end. At Marineford, Whitebeard publicly affirmed that ONE PIECE was real, renewing excitement across the seas 282.
Notable Quotes
“Want my treasure? You can have it if you want it. Go find it! I left everything there!” — Gol D. Roger 13
“ONE PIECE is real!” — Whitebeard 282