Circumnavigation

Ferdinand Magellan · 1519 CE – 1522 CE · Earth

Circumnavigation — Ferdinand Magellan · 1519 CE – 1522 CE · Earth — Recorded expedition route · schematic map

Reach the Spice Islands by sailing west.

Historical context

One voyage finally settled what no map could: the true size of the ocean and the shape of the globe. Its cost was frightful — four ships and most of its men never returned.

The voyage, step by step

  1. Departure from Sanlúcar

    20 September 1519

    Five ships and about 270 men leave Spain on 20 September 1519 to reach the Spice Islands from the west.

  2. Seeking a passage

    1520 CE

    The fleet probes the Río de la Plata and the Patagonian coast, searching for a strait to the Pacific.

  3. Mutiny at San Julián

    1520 CE

    Overwintering in a bleak harbour, three captains seize ships; Magellan crushes the revolt and executes the ringleaders.

  4. The strait found

    November 1520

    In November 1520 the fleet enters the winding strait that now bears Magellan's name.

  5. Crossing the Pacific

    1521 CE

    For over three months the fleet sails an empty ocean; the crew eats leather and sawdust before reaching Guam.

  6. The Philippines

    March 1521

    In March 1521 the fleet reaches the islands, where Magellan makes alliances and converts local rulers.

  7. Death at Mactan

    27 April 1521

    On 27 April 1521 Magellan is killed in battle on Mactan after wading ashore with a small force.

  8. Elcano brings her home

    6 September 1522

    On 6 September 1522 the Victoria limps into Sanlúcar with 18 survivors, completing the first circumnavigation.

Outcome

Found the strait and crossed the Pacific; Elcano completed the voyage.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese navigator who led the first expedition to sail from the Atlantic into the Pacific and around the globe.

Read on Wikipedia

Sources

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