Ferdinand Magellan's historic voyage around the world began in September 1519 with five ships and a crew of about 270 men from various nationalities, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian sailors. Here is the estimated number of men who departed with Magellan:
Ship | Number of Men
- Trinidad (Magellan's flagship) | Approximately 60-70 men
- San Antonio | Approximately 60-70 men
- Santiago | Approximately 55-60 men
- Victoria | Approximately 45-50 men
- Concepcion | Approximately 45-50 men
In total, it is estimated that around 265-270 men set sail with Magellan on his circumnavigation expedition.
Number of men who came back:
Out of the original crew of 270 men, only 18 survivors (including several wounded) completed the entire voyage and returned to Spain on the Victoria, captained by Juan Sebastián Elcano. The Victoria arrived in Sanlúcar de Barrameda in September 1522, completing the first ever circumnavigation of the globe.
So, only 18 men out of the initial 270 came back from Magellan's expedition due to hardships, illnesses, death in battles, mutiny, and desertion during the three-year journey.