Departure and Early Journey:
- Magellan departed from Spain in September 1519, sailing with a crew of about 270 people.
- He followed a route to the west across the Atlantic Ocean.
- The fleet made several stops along the African and South American coasts, resupplying and gathering provisions.
Discovery of the Strait of Magellan:
- In October 1520, Magellan reached the southernmost tip of South America and discovered a narrow passage between the mainland and Tierra del Fuego.
- This passage, later known as the Strait of Magellan, allowed the expedition to sail into the Pacific Ocean.
Challenges and Loss of Ships:
- The voyage faced numerous challenges, including treacherous weather, storms, and encounters with indigenous peoples.
- Several ships were lost during this phase of the journey, and some crew members deserted or mutinied.
Death of Magellan:
- In April 1521, Magellan and his crew reached the Philippine islands.
- During a conflict with the local inhabitants, Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521.
Completion of the Circumnavigation:
- After Magellan's death, the remaining ships continued the journey under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano.
- Elcano decided to sail westward across the Pacific Ocean, instead of returning the same way they came.
- In September 1522, the Victoria, the only remaining ship, reached the Spanish port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, completing the first-ever circumnavigation of the Earth.
Significance:
- Magellan's voyage was a significant milestone in human exploration and navigation.
- It proved that the Earth was round and provided valuable information about geography, trade routes, and the world's diverse cultures.
- The voyage expanded European knowledge of the world and opened new possibilities for global exploration and trade.