Ferdinand Magellan & The Circumnavigation of the Globe

Magellan's Circumnavigation

Period: Jan 1, 1519 to Jan 1, 1523

The timeline represents the Magellan's famous circumnavigation of the globe in the early 16th century. At the time this was a harrowing journey that took years to complete with significant loss of life. Not only is it intensely interesting but it functions well in the topic of my blog about places around the world. Magellan takes us around the world.

Departure

Sep 20, 1519

Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Cadiz, Spain in order to find a new route to the famed Spice Islands. With 5 ships and 270 men Magellan braved the unknown hoping to open new trading routes. Look what at what a 16th century sailing ship looks like sailing up the modern day New York harbor, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5U0CC4uxHQ

Lands in Brazil

Dec 13, 1519

After several months of open sea voyage Magellan touched down in modern day Rio de Janeiro. Take a look at what modern day Rio looks like today! https://imaginariodejaneiro.com/

Passes through the Straits of Magellan

Nov 21, 1520

Perhaps Magellan's most significant discovery was that of the straits from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. It took 38 days to navigate the treacherous straits but in doing so they found a faster passage then going around the tip of South America. For more specific information check out a detailed maps and description here: https://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/magellan.htm

Enters the Pacific Ocean

Dec 1, 1520

After the straits, Magellan ventured to cross the pacific. In its crossing, Magellan's men became so hungry that they gnawed on the leather of their own gear to keep from starvation.

Reaches the Philippines

Mar 29, 1521

Magellan finally reached the Philippine archipelago being the first Europeans to do so. Magellan was left only with 150 men at this point and in dire need. Luckily for him he became friendly with the native's even converting some to Christianity. Check out the modern day Philippine city of Manila here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrWAU3XSNTk

Magellan dies

Apr 27, 1521

During his stay in the Philippines Magellan makes friends and peace with the local island tribes. He even converted the local king and queen to Christianity. However, this friendliness did not extend to everyone, Magellan was contracted to attack the enemies of the King and in the course of the battle Magellan was killed. Learn more about the indigenous peoples of the Philippines here: https://everything-filipino.com/philippine-culture-tribal-groups-of-the-philippines/

Reach the Spice Islands

Nov 6, 1521

After the death of Magellan there were only two ships remaining. These ships finally reached their objective of the spice islands and loaded there ships with spice. These spices were very valuable and could be turned for a large profit back in Europe. Take a look at some common types of spices found in Indonesia, https://factsofindonesia.com/common-spices-in-indonesia

Sails into the Indian Ocean

Dec 21, 1521

The two remaining ships of the original five parted ways after the spice islands with one going back the way they came into the Pacific while the other continued west and into the Indian ocean. The ship that turned back did not make it very far, while the one that ventured through the Indian ocean eventually returned home.

Rounds Africa

May 6, 1522

The last ship that made from Magellan's original number, named the Vittoria, was captained by a Basque sailor by the name of Juan Sebastian de Elcano. On their return trip they finally rounded Africa and were in the home stretch. To learn more about the Basque country check it out here, https://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/

Returns to Spain

Sep 6, 1522

Finally on September 6th 1522 the Vittoria made it home after being three years abroad. This was to be known as the first ever circumnavigation of the globe. This journey opened up trade routes and discovered exotic new locations without which the world would not be the same.