German pirate Klein Henszlein and 33 of his crew are beheaded in Hamburg

Klein Henszlein was a notorious German pirate active in the late 16th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, particularly around the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. His full name was Peter Henztlein, though he was commonly known as “Klein” (meaning “little”) because of his relatively small stature. Henszlein led a sizable pirate crew and was responsible for numerous acts of piracy, including attacks on merchant ships.

He gained notoriety for his ruthless methods and was eventually captured in 1573 by the Danish authorities. Following his arrest, Henszlein and many members of his crew were executed in Hamburg, Germany, by decapitation. His death marked one of the largest mass executions of pirates in Northern Europe at the time.

Klein Henszlein’s life and exploits are often referenced in historical records as part of the broader history of piracy in Europe during the 16th century. His legacy contributed to the efforts by several northern European nations to combat piracy during this era.