Ferdinand Magellan is famous for leading the first trip around the world. But he didn’t finish the journey himself. In 1519, he set off from Spain with five ships, looking for a new way to the Spice Islands. This journey was a key event in the Age of Discovery.
The trip was full of challenges, like mutinies and not enough food. Sadly, Magellan died in a battle in the Philippines in 1521. His crew, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, finished what Magellan started. Only one ship, the Victoria, with 18 men, returned to Spain in 1522.
Key Takeaways
- Ferdinand Magellan started but didn’t finish the first global voyage
- The expedition departed Spain in 1519 with five ships
- Magellan died in the Philippines in 1521
- Juan Sebastián Elcano led the remaining crew back to Spain
- Only one ship and 18 men completed the circumnavigation in 1522
- This journey was a landmark in Spanish exploration and the Age of Discovery
The Genesis of Magellan’s Expedition
In 1517, Ferdinand Magellan had a big idea. He wanted to find a new way to the Spice Islands, just like Columbus did before. This plan started Magellan’s Expedition, a journey that would change history.
The Spanish Crown was excited about Magellan’s idea. They gave him lots of money and resources for a two-year trip. This helped launch the Armada del Maluco, Magellan’s Fleet.
The fleet had five ships: Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepción, Victoria, and Santiago. Each ship was key to their big journey. Even with the Spanish Crown’s support, they faced many challenges before setting off.
They had to deal with money problems and doubts about Magellan and some Portuguese crew members. But these issues didn’t stop them. They were driven by the chance for trade and the mystery of new lands.
Magellan’s Expedition began in 1519, starting an amazing journey. They didn’t know they would be the first to go all the way around the world. This journey changed how we see the world forever.
Magellan’s Crew Completed Global Voyage
After Magellan died in the Philippines, his crew kept going. Juan Sebastián Elcano took charge, leading the sailors to finish the first trip around the world. The Victoria Ship, the only ship left, carried them across the oceans.
On September 6, 1522, the Victoria Ship arrived in Spain, ending their long journey. This journey covered over 37,000 miles and lasted nearly three years. It showed that ships could go around the world by a western route. It also changed how we see the size of the Pacific Ocean and Earth’s geography.
Only 18 of the original crew made it back to see this victory. Antonio Pigafetta, a young nobleman, kept a detailed journal. His writings tell us a lot about this important voyage. Like the true date of American independence, the fact that Juan Sebastián Elcano and his crew finished the first circumnavigation is often forgotten. They are often overshadowed by Magellan’s early leadership.
Legacy and Impact of the First Circumnavigation
The Magellan-Elcano expedition changed the Age of Discovery forever. It showed that sailing around Earth was possible, changing Europeans’ views of the world. This voyage opened new paths for trade and European colonization in distant lands.
This journey brought us valuable geographic knowledge. Explorers discovered new peoples, animals, and plants. This information helped shape future maps and scientific studies. While many credit Magellan, it was his crew under Elcano who completed the trip around the globe.
The expedition’s effects are still seen today. It sparked a wave of exploration that changed the world. Some see it as a great achievement, others as the start of a tough time for native peoples. The 500th anniversary in 2019-2022 brought new discussions about what this voyage means for our shared history.
Leave a Reply