Final answer:
To stop piracy and represent geographical locations, the Portuguese introduced the cartaz system, requiring ships to carry a document for legal trading and passage. This was one of many historical measures to combat pirates and regulate maritime commerce.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout history, the threat of piracy has led to various measures to curb this illegal activity. In the 16th century, the Portuguese introduced the cartaz system in the Indian Ocean to combat piracy and regulate trade. This document, which had to be purchased by merchant ships, allowed for legal passage and commerce, particularly in areas controlled by the Portuguese. However, it caused dissent among non-Christian captains and others who felt the dominance of Portuguese trade was unwarranted. Similarly, historical instances such as the Roman actions against the pirates of Cilicia and the international efforts like the Treaty of Tordesillas demonstrate ongoing attempts to combat piracy and establish territorial domains to secure safe naval routes for commerce.