Magellan, the great Portuguese explorer

Magellan, the great Portuguese explorer

Ferdinand Magellan, born on 1480 in Sabrosa, Portugal, was one of the most notable explorers of the early modern era. He was hired by the Spanish crown to find a new route to the prosperous spice islands of Southeast Asia by sailing west, hoping to find a passage through the Americas to the Pacific.

Magellan’s famous expedition began in 1519, leading a fleet of five ships and about 270 men. His plan was to reach the rich spice islands by sailing west around South America. This journey became one of the most remarkable in the history of discoveries.

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Magellan and his crew arrived in South America, where they discovered a narrow passage that was later named after him, the Strait of Magellan. However, the dangerous journey through the strait cost several ships and many men. Eventually they reached the Pacific Ocean.

Magellan and his crew continued their journey westward through the vast Pacific Ocean, where they encountered many challenges, including shortages of food and water, and illness among crew members. After many months of sailing, they reached the Mariana Islands and later the Philippines.

Unfortunately, Magellan was killed during a conflict on Mactan Island in the Philippines on April 27, 1521. Despite this, his expedition continued under the leadership of Juan Sebastián Elcano. They continued west, crossed the Indian Ocean and finally reached Spain on September 6, 1522. Only one ship, the Victoria, and 18 men returned. This made them the first to sail all the way around the world.

Magellan’s importance cannot be overstated. His expedition confirmed that the earth was much larger than previously thought and that it was possible to sail around it. This opened up new trade routes and significantly strengthened European knowledge of the world. Magellan’s voyage marks the beginning of an era of global exploration and trade, and his name has become synonymous with courage, perseverance and the spirit of discovery. He remains a legendary figure whose legacy still inspires people today.

Was Magellan the first to travel around the world?

No, Magellan himself was not the first to travel around the world. He was the leader of the expedition that performed the first documented circumnavigation of the Earth. However, Magellan’s expedition was completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano after Magellan’s death in the Philippines. It was Elcano who, with his ship Victoria and the surviving members of the expedition, completed the journey, thus becoming the first person to sail all the way around the world. Magellan himself did not complete the voyage as he was killed during a conflict on Mactan Island before the expedition reached its destination.

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