Ferdinand Magellan ( 03 February 1480 – April 27, 1521) was a Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth. Although he was born in Portugal, Magellan later sailed under the Spanish flag. His expedition, known as the Magellan–Elcano expedition, was a historic journey that provided valuable insights into the geography of the world.
Key points about Ferdinand Magellan and his expedition:
Circumnavigation of the Globe: Magellan's expedition began in 1519 with five ships and aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Although Magellan himself did not complete the journey (he was killed in the Philippines in 1521), his fleet, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, successfully circumnavigated the globe.
Strait of Magellan: Magellan discovered the strait that bears his name, a crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at the southern tip of South America. This passage allowed ships to avoid the treacherous journey around Cape Horn.
Pacific Ocean: Magellan's fleet became the first Europeans to sail across the Pacific Ocean, naming it "Mar Pacifico" (Pacific Sea) due to its calm waters.
Death in the Philippines: Magellan was killed in a battle with indigenous people in the Philippines in 1521. Despite his death, the expedition continued under the leadership of Juan Sebastián Elcano.
Legacy: Magellan's expedition proved that the Earth was round and that it was possible to sail around it. The voyage significantly contributed to the understanding of global geography.
Ferdinand Magellan's exploration marked a pivotal moment in the Age of Discovery and had a profound impact on the understanding of the world's geography.
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