That was the second original computer game I got in my life. Or perhaps the first, because I got two on at the same time: Pirates!, and Sub battle simulator.

I loved both, but I have very fond memories of Pirates! I must have played it for an unhealthy number of hours. I even remember going to a neighborhood photocopier to make copies of the map, because I wanted to make different notes on it depending on which historical period I chose to start the game in.

Not much to add to what you said, but thanks for bringing back those memories!