First Voyage Around Magellan History Timeline and Biographies

Departure from Spain

On September 20, 1519, the First Voyage Around Magellan commenced when Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Seville, Spain, with five ships: Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepción, Victoria, and Santiago. The expedition aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands in the East Indies.

Discovery of the Strait of Magellan

In October 1520, the expedition reached the southern tip of South America and discovered the Strait of Magellan, a crucial passage that would allow them to navigate from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This discovery was pivotal for the First Voyage Around Magellan, as it opened a new route for maritime exploration.

The Loss of Santiago

In January 1520, the Santiago, one of the ships in the First Voyage Around Magellan, was shipwrecked during a storm while exploring the coast of Brazil. This loss marked the beginning of the many hardships the expedition would face in its journey.

Crossing the Pacific Ocean

After navigating the Strait of Magellan, the fleet entered the Pacific Ocean in November 1520. The crossing was arduous, taking nearly four months, during which the crew faced severe food shortages and illness, highlighting the challenges of the First Voyage Around Magellan.

Arrival in the Philippines

In March 1521, the First Voyage Around Magellan reached the Philippines, where Magellan sought to establish trade and alliances. He claimed the islands for Spain, marking a significant moment in the expedition's history.

The Battle of Mactan

On April 27, 1521, Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan while attempting to subdue local chieftain Lapu-Lapu. This event drastically altered the course of the First Voyage Around Magellan, as leadership passed to Juan Sebastián Elcano.

Continuation under Elcano

After Magellan's death, Juan Sebastián Elcano took command of the remaining crew. Under his leadership, the First Voyage Around Magellan continued, navigating through the islands of the Philippines and seeking a route back to Spain.

Return to Spain

On September 6, 1522, the Victoria, the last surviving ship of the First Voyage Around Magellan, returned to Spain, completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Out of the original five ships, only one had made it back, carrying 18 of the original crew members.

Impact on Global Trade

The successful completion of the First Voyage Around Magellan had profound implications for global trade, establishing new routes and introducing Europeans to the vast resources of the Pacific Islands and Asia, particularly the spice trade.

Publication of Accounts

Following the return of the Victoria, various accounts of the First Voyage Around Magellan were published, detailing the journey, its challenges, and discoveries. These narratives contributed to the European understanding of geography and navigation.

Spanish Crown Recognition

In 1525, the Spanish Crown officially recognized the significance of the First Voyage Around Magellan, leading to increased funding for further expeditions to the Spice Islands and the establishment of Spanish influence in the Pacific region.

Establishment of the Manila Galleon Trade

The success of the First Voyage Around Magellan paved the way for the Manila Galleon Trade, which began in 1565, establishing a vital trade link between Asia and the Americas, significantly impacting global commerce for centuries.

Legacy of Exploration

By the early 1600s, the legacy of the First Voyage Around Magellan inspired further explorations and expeditions, leading to the discovery of new lands and the expansion of European empires in the Pacific and beyond.

Celebration of the 500th Anniversary

In 2022, various countries commemorated the 500th anniversary of the First Voyage Around Magellan, reflecting on its historical significance and the impact it had on world exploration and navigation.