Full Name: Ferdinand Magellen
Profession: Explorer
Biography: Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer best known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth, although he himself did not complete the journey. Born into a family of minor Portuguese nobility, Magellan became interested in exploration at a young age.
Magellan served the Portuguese crown in various capacities, including military campaigns in India and Africa, but later moved to Spain after a falling out with the Portuguese king. In service to Spain, he proposed an ambitious plan to reach the Spice Islands (now part of Indonesia) by sailing westward, thereby circumventing Portuguese-controlled routes.
He set sail in 1519 with a fleet of five ships. Although he faced challenges, including mutiny and severe navigational hurdles, Magellan successfully entered the Pacific Ocean by navigating through the strait that now bears his name at the southern tip of South America.
Magellan was killed in the Philippines during a skirmish with local tribes, never completing the circumnavigation himself. One of his ships, however, the Victoria, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, returned to Spain in 1522, thus completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Only 18 of the original 270 crew members survived.
Born: February 3, 1480
Birthplace: , Portugal
Star Sign: Aquarius
Died: April 27, 1521 (aged 41)
Cause of Death: Killed in the Battle of Mactan on the island of Mactan in present-day Cebu, Philippines.
Historical Events
- 1519-09-20 Spanish expedition led by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan sets off on the 1st successful circumnavigation of the globe (Magellan killed on route)
- 1520-10-21 Explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his fleet reach Cape Virgenes after transiting the Magellan Strait between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, becoming the first Europeans to sail into the Pacific
- 1520-11-28 Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan begins crossing the Pacific Ocean
- 1521-03-06 Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan is the first European to sight Guam in the western Pacific
- 1521-03-16 Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan reaches the Philippines, landing at Homonhon Island after crossing the Pacific Ocean
- 1521-03-31 First Mass held in the Philippines, generally believed to be on the Island of Limasawa in the Archipelago of St Lazarus by Ferdinand Magellan and 50 of his men. They take possession of the island the same day.
- 1521-04-07 Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan's fleet reaches Cebu
- 1522-09-06 Ferdinand Magellan's Spanish expedition now led by Juan Sebastián Elcano returns to Seville without their captain after three years. First to circumnavigate the globe
Biographies and Sources
- The Strait of Magellan: 250 Years of Maps (1520–1787) - Princeton University Library
David Livingstone
David Thompson
Ernest Shackleton
Ludwig Leichhardt
Roald Amundsen
Robert Falcon Scott