First Voyage Around The World

The First Voyage Around the World

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Antonio Pigafetta (An Italian Scholar and Explorer)

The First Voyage Around the World (1519-1522): An Account of Magellan's Expedition. By Antonio Pigafetta and Theodore J. Cachey Jr.

Ferdinand magellan

1480-1521

Fernando de Magallanes widely known on his English name Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese explorer born on February 3, 1480. He was a member of a noble family, son of Rui de Magallanes and Alda de Mesquita. At an early age, he got influenced by his family and got exposed to different expeditions. And he got interested in finding the Spice (Moluccas) Island. Later, organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, resulting in the first circumnavigation of the Earth, which was completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano.

The Treaty of Tordesillas

Treaty of Tordesillas signed at Tordesillas in Spain on June 7, 1494, and authenticated at Setúbal. It is an agreement between Spain and Portugal aimed at settling conflicts over lands newly discovered or explored by Christopher Columbus and other late 15th-century voyagers. Portugal, divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the Portuguese Empire and the Spanish Empire, along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands, off the west coast of Africa. Spain won control of lands discovered west of the line, while Portugal gained rights to new lands to the east.

The Early Days of Expedition

Magellan approached King Manuel I of Portugal to seek his support for a westward voyage to the Spice Islands. But the king refused, having heard unfounded rumors of improper conduct on Magellan's part after a siege in Morocco. In 1516, Magellan again made the request and the king again refused. So, Magellan renounced his Portuguese nationality and relocated to Spain, in 1517, to seek royal support for his venture and offer his services to King Charles I, later Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

King Charles I of Spain, later elected as, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V

KIng Manuel I of Portugal

The Start of Magellan's Expedition

Magellan relocated to Spain and asked King Charles I to support his proposed expedition. King Charles I approved his expedition on August 10, 1519. King Charles I funded Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition and gave him five ships.

Sept. 6, 1522

Mar. 29, 1521

Mar. 28, 1521

Mar. 16, 1521

Apt. 27, 1521

Mar. 31, 1521

Mar. 13, 1521

Sept. 20, 1519

Apr. 7, 1521

September 20, 1519

Ferdinand Magellan started his Expedition on September 20, 1519. They tried to find Spice Island by traveling westward. They found a shortcut in the bottom tip of the South America Continent. And later on, called, the Strait of Magellan

Strait of Magellan

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March 13, 1521

On March 13, 1521, the Expedition set foot on Ladrones Island were later on called the Thief Island because Magellan was robbed by the pirates getting their small boats. And later on, they sailed westward.

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Ladrones Island

March 16 , 1519

March 16, 1521, Magellan set foot on the Philippine Island of Zamal. Later on, called, Samar Island. He met Rajah Garas – Garas. The Rajah of the Humunu Island which was now known as Homonhon, Samar. From Zamal Island, they went to Humunu Island where Magellan named the archipelago as Las Islas de San Lazaro (Archipelago of St. Lazarus). Because they were celebrating the feast of St Lazarus when they set foot on Zamal Island.

Homonhon Island

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March 28, 1521

On March 28, 1521, while having a dinner, they’ve seen a fire upon an island. They sent Enrique de Malacca the slave of Ferdinand Magellan to talk to those people with a few soldiers with him. Enrique then saw what they call boloto. Boloto or Bolota are small boats that are used by the early men in fishing.

Boloto boat

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March 29, 1519

They went to Mazaua Island. While they were in there, the king of that island with his brother came riding in Balanghai. Balanghai is a large boat where the kings and/or noble families live. Riding the mentioned balanghai, was Rajah Kolambu, King of Limasawa, and his brother Rajah Siagu, King of Butuan.

Mazaua Island (Limasawa)

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March 31, 1521

On March 31, 1521, the first catholic mass was held in Mazzua in celebration of Easter Sunday. The first mass was officiated by the Spanish priest. Father Pedro de Valderama. And Magellan planted a cross facing the shores. Symbolizing that the island was already a Christian place. After, the mass Magellan set sailed to the west to propagate Christianity.

Fray Pedro de Valderama

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April 7, 1519

This time they arrived at Zzubu Island later on called Cebu. He met Rajah Humabon, king of Cebu and had a blood compact with him. This is also the First Catholic Baptism Rites and was attended by their leader and his wife and other families from Cebu. After the baptism, Magellan gifted Rajah Humabon’s wife, Reyna Juana, a Sto. Niño as a thanksgiving gift. Magellan still wants to propagate Christianity throughout the whole country. He then went to Mactan Island in Cebu with the help of Rajah Humabon. But unfortunately, he met the King of Mactan Island, Rajah Lapu-Lapu. Rajah Lapu – Lapu doesn’t want to submit to Magellan’s wish to be converted and become controlled by Spain as what he sees to Rajah Humabon. Because of this, a conflict arose in Mactan Island.

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Rajah Lapu-Lapu

Apr 27, 1521

Sula asked Magellan’s help to defeat the Rajah of Mactan Island. Because Magellan wants to prove his might to these Rajahs. Magellan accepted Sula’s invitation to defeat Lapu – Lapu. A battle enraged between the troops of Lapu Lapu and Magellan. On April 27, 1521, Magellan died with a poison arrow in his leg and spear on his hand.

Battle in Mactan Death of Magellan

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September 6, 1522

Because of the battle that happened in Mactan, the Spanish force became weak. And the majority of their soldiers either died or got injured. The ship Concepcion was burned because there are no more people to operate the ship. Trinidad continues to find the spice island. And Victoria came back to Spain with Captain Sebastian Elcano, the ship Victoria made it to Spain on September 6, 1522.

Nao Victoria

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The Five Expeditions After Magellan

For More Detailed Story of the First Circumnavigation around the Earth, please see the videos above.

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