Ferdinand Magellan - First Circumnavigation of the Earth

Summary

In the late 1400s, European explorers sought new sea routes to the lucrative Spice Islands. Ferdinand Magellan's ambitious expedition, backed by Spain, aimed to circumnavigate the globe. Facing mutiny, shipwrecks, and scarcity, only 18 of 270 crew survived the three-year journey. The voyage marked the first circumnavigation, proving Earth's spherical shape and revealing its vastness, setting the stage for future explorations like Francis Drake's.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The late 1400s marked the beginning of the Age of Exploration in Europe, with sailors from Portugal, Spain, and Italy venturing into the unknown for discovery and profit.
• 💰 Spices from the Far East, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, were incredibly valuable in Europe, driving the quest for new trade routes.
• 🇵🇹 By 1518, Portugal dominated the route to the Spice Islands, prompting Spain to seek its own route, leading to the involvement of Ferdinand Magellan.
• 🧭 Magellan, a skilled navigator, proposed to King Charles I of Spain that he could sail west around the New World to reach the Spice Islands, a plan based on the widely accepted spherical shape of the Earth.
• 🚢 Magellan's expedition set sail in 1519 with 270 crew members and five ships, facing numerous challenges including storms, mutiny, and shipwrecks.
• 🗺️ The Strait of Magellan was discovered during the search for a passage west, a significant navigational achievement.
• 🌊 The Pacific Ocean was found to be much larger than anticipated, leading to severe supply shortages and the death of many crew members from scurvy.
• 🏝️ The first landfall after the Pacific crossing was Guam, followed by the historic arrival in the Philippines, marking the first European contact with the islands.
• 🗡️ Magellan's involvement in a local conflict in the Philippines resulted in his death, a major setback for the expedition.
• 🛶 The remaining crew, now significantly reduced in number, continued the journey, eventually reaching the Spice Islands (Maluku Islands) for trade.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳 The Victoria, under the command of Juan Sebastian Elcano, was the only ship to complete the circumnavigation, arriving back in Spain with only 18 survivors out of the original 270 crew.
• 🌐 The expedition achieved the first circumnavigation of the Earth, providing conclusive proof of the Earth's spherical shape and its vast size.

Q & A

What initiated the age of European exploration in the late 1400s?

The age of European exploration was initiated by Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian sailors who were driven by Christian zeal and the pursuit of profit, especially in the trade of valuable spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Why were spices so valuable in Europe during this period?

Spices were worth their weight in gold in Europe because they grew only in the Far East, and whoever controlled their trade was guaranteed immense wealth.

Who dominated the spice trade route by 1518?

Portugal dominated the spice trade route by 1518, which led Spain to seek its own route to the so-called Spice Islands.

Why did Ferdinand Magellan offer his plan to King Charles I of Spain?

Ferdinand Magellan had fallen out with the King of Portugal and thus offered his bold plan to sail around the New World and reach the Spice Islands from the east to King Charles I of Spain, his rival.

What was the significance of the Strait of Magellan?

The Strait of Magellan is significant because it was the passage that Magellan discovered, allowing him to navigate through South America to reach the Pacific Ocean, which now bears his name.

What challenges did Magellan's crew face during their voyage across the Pacific Ocean?

The crew faced a lack of supplies, forcing them to eat rats and drink putrid water, and many died of scurvy. It took 99 days at sea before they sighted land.

Why did Magellan intervene in the conflict between the local chief and Datu Lapu-lapu in the Philippines?

Magellan agreed to help the local chief from Mactan in defeating his rival, Datu Lapu-lapu, likely to secure alliances and support during their exploration of the region.

How did Magellan's death impact the remaining crew and their mission?

After Magellan's death, the crew faced further losses due to an ambush by their former allies on Cebu, which forced the survivors to flee with only enough men to crew two ships.

What was the final destination of Magellan's expedition?

The final destination of Magellan's expedition was the spice or Maluku Islands, now part of Indonesia, where they traded for cloves before beginning their journey home.

Who captained the Victoria on its return voyage to Spain?

Juan Sebastian Elcano captained the Victoria on its return voyage to Spain, completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

What was the outcome of the expedition in terms of lives lost and the number of survivors?

Out of the original crew of 270, only 18 survived the journey. Despite the losses, the expedition achieved the first circumnavigation of the Earth, proving the planet's spherical shape and vast size.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 The Age of Exploration and Magellan's Vision

In the late 15th century, European explorers, primarily from Portugal, Spain, and Italy, embarked on perilous journeys in search of new trade routes and territories. Driven by religious fervor and the promise of immense wealth from Eastern spices, these explorers ventured into the unknown. Portugal had dominated the spice trade route by 1518, prompting Spain to seek an alternative path. Fernando de Magallanes, a seasoned navigator with a strained relationship with Portugal's king, proposed to King Charles I of Spain a daring expedition to circumnavigate the New World and reach the Spice Islands. With the king's support, Magellan assembled a fleet of five ships and 270 crew members, setting sail in September 1519. The journey was fraught with challenges, including storms, trade with indigenous tribes, and a mutiny quelled by Magellan's decisive actions. Despite losing ships and facing a treacherous Pacific Ocean, Magellan's fleet persevered, eventually discovering the strait that now bears his name and entering the Pacific, which he named 'Mara Pacifico' for its tranquility.

05:07

🏴‍☠️ Magellan's Legacy: The First Circumnavigation and its Aftermath

After enduring the vast and uncharted Pacific Ocean, Magellan's expedition made landfall in Guam and the Philippines, where they encountered local tribes and engaged in both peaceful exchanges and violent conflicts. Tragically, Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan, but his crew, now led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, continued their quest. They reached the Spice Islands, where they traded for cloves, before one of their ships, the Trinidad, had to be abandoned for repairs. The remaining ship, the Victoria, faced further hardships, including disease and starvation, on its way back to Spain. In September 1522, the Victoria returned to Seville with only 18 survivors, marking the completion of the first circumnavigation of the globe. This historic voyage not only confirmed the Earth's spherical shape but also expanded humanity's understanding of its vastness. The expedition's legacy was further cemented 58 years later when Francis Drake accomplished his own circumnavigation. The video script, a collaboration with Epic History TV, invites viewers to explore the story of Francis Drake and to subscribe for more historical insights.

Keywords

💡European exploration

European exploration refers to the period of history characterized by the voyages of European navigators and sailors who ventured into unknown territories to discover new lands and trade routes. In the context of the video, it marks the beginning of a great new age in the late 1400s, driven by Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian sailors, which led to significant discoveries and the establishment of new trade routes, particularly to the Spice Islands.

💡Spice Islands

The Spice Islands, also known as the Maluku Islands, were a group of islands in modern-day Indonesia that were the main source of highly valued spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. In the video, they represent the ultimate destination for Magellan's expedition, symbolizing immense wealth and the driving force behind the exploration and competition between European powers.

💡Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan, known in English as Fernando de Magallanes, was a Portuguese explorer and navigator who played a pivotal role in the history of maritime exploration. The video highlights his bold plan to sail around the New World to reach the Spice Islands, which he believed was possible due to the widely accepted notion of the Earth's round shape. His expedition marked the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

💡Carracks

Carracks were a type of large, ocean-going sailing ship used by European explorers during the Age of Discovery. In the video, King Charles I of Spain helped Magellan assemble an expedition with five ships of this type, which were essential for the long and arduous journey across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

💡Mutiny

A mutiny is an open rebellion against authority, particularly by sailors against their officers. In the script, Magellan faced a mutiny led by Spanish officers who believed he was leading them to doom. The mutiny is a critical event in the narrative, showcasing the challenges and internal conflicts faced during long sea voyages.

💡Strait of Magellan

The Strait of Magellan is a navigable sea passage in southern Chile that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Named after the explorer, it was discovered by Magellan during his search for a passage west. The strait is a significant geographical feature in the video, as it represents a crucial part of the expedition's journey and a testament to Magellan's navigational skills.

💡Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's oceanic divisions, larger than all of Earth's land area combined. In the video, Magellan and his crew named it 'Mara Pacifico,' the peaceful sea, due to its calm appearance. However, the vastness and challenges of the Pacific Ocean became apparent as their supplies dwindled and the crew faced extreme hardships.

💡Cebu

Cebu is an island in the Philippines that played a significant role in Magellan's journey. The video describes how Magellan and his crew made an alliance with a local ruler in Cebu, who agreed to be baptized as a Christian and swore allegiance to the King of Spain. This event illustrates the cultural and religious impact of the expedition on the regions they visited.

💡Datu Lapu-lapu

Datu Lapu-lapu was a chieftain from Mactan Island in the Philippines who is known for defeating Magellan's forces in a battle. In the video, Magellan agreed to help a local chief from Cebu defeat Lapu-lapu, leading to a battle where Magellan was killed. This event is a turning point in the narrative, marking the end of Magellan's personal involvement in the circumnavigation.

💡Circumnavigation

Circumnavigation is the act of traveling around an entire geographical circumference, in this case, the Earth. The video concludes with the successful completion of the first circumnavigation by Magellan's expedition, despite the loss of Magellan himself and the majority of the crew. This achievement provided conclusive proof of the Earth's spherical shape and its vast size.

💡Juan Sebastian Elcano

Juan Sebastian Elcano was a Basque navigator who captained the Victoria, the last ship of Magellan's fleet, on the return voyage to Spain. The video highlights his leadership in bringing the expedition to its successful conclusion, despite the immense challenges faced, including starvation and the loss of other ships. Elcano's role is crucial in the narrative, as he represents the perseverance and determination of the crew.

Highlights

The late 1400s marked the beginning of a new age of European exploration, led by sailors from Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Explorers were driven by Christian zeal and the pursuit of profit, particularly in the lucrative spice trade.

Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg were extremely valuable in Europe, commanding prices equivalent to their weight in gold.

By 1518, Portugal dominated the route to the Spice Islands, prompting Spain's search for an alternative route.

Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese sailor, proposed a bold plan to King Charles I of Spain to find a western route to the Spice Islands.

Magellan's expedition set sail on September 20, 1519, with 270 crew members and five ships, crossing the stormy Atlantic.

The fleet reached modern-day Brazil, where they traded with local tribes for food and water.

Magellan faced a mutiny in Puerto San Julian, Argentina, which he quelled by executing the ringleaders.

The expedition discovered the Strait of Magellan, a 350-mile passage to the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean was larger than anticipated, leading to severe supply shortages and scurvy among the crew.

After 99 days at sea, the expedition landed in Guam, part of the Mariana Islands.

Magellan and his men reached the Philippines, where they encountered local rulers and were able to resupply.

Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan while attempting to convert the local population and assert Spanish dominance.

The remaining crew, after further losses, continued their search for the Spice Islands with only two ships.

The expedition finally reached the Maluku Islands, part of present-day Indonesia, and traded for cloves.

The Victoria, captained by Juan Sebastian Elcano, was the only ship to complete the circumnavigation, returning to Spain in 1522.

Only 18 of the original 270 crew members survived the three-year journey, marking the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

The voyage provided conclusive proof of the Earth's spherical shape and demonstrated its vast size.

Transcripts

A simple history/ Epic History TV collaboration

In the late 1400s, a great new age of European exploration began, led by Portuguese, Spanish and Italian sailors.

They made great voyages into the unknown, full of danger, adventure and discovery.

These pioneers were driven by Christian zeal and profit.

In Europe, spices like cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg which grew only in the Far East were worth their weight in gold.

Whoever controlled their trade was guaranteed immense wealth.

By 1518, the route to the, so called, Spice Islands was dominated by Portugal.

Spain wanted a route of its own.

Enter 38 year old Portuguese sailor; Fernando de Magallanes.

Ferdinand Magellan, as he's known in English, was a brilliant navigator who'd spent many years sailing the Indian Ocean.

But he'd fallen out with the King of Portugal and now offered a bold plan to his rival, King Charles I of Spain.

Magellan believed it was possible to sail around The New World and reach the Spice Islands from the east.

Since contrary to popular myth, it had been widely accepted for centuries that the Earth was round.

King Charles accepted Magellan's proposal and helped him assemble an expedition with 270 crew and five ships known as carracks.

The fleet set sail on the 20th September 1519 and crossed a stormy Atlantic to reach the future site of Rio de Janeiro in modern Brazil.

Here, the men traded with local tribes, exchanging simple objects like metal fish hooks and playing cards for fresh food and water.

Magellan continued south until winter storms forced him to camp it Puerto San Julian (Argentina).

There Magellan faced a mutiny led by Spanish officers convinced he was leading them to their doom.

Magellan acted swiftly and ruthlessly, he sent loyal men to kill one of the ringleaders while another was captured and executed.

Two others were marooned left behind when the fleet sailed south again in August.

As Magellan searched for a passage west, one ship, the Santiago was wrecked though the crew were saved.

Another ship, the San Antonio, deserted and sailed home. But Magellan did discover a 350 mile strait which now bears his name.

Through to the far ocean, a sea that seemed so calm he named it; Mara Pacifico, the peaceful sea, or Pacific Ocean.

But the Pacific Ocean was far bigger than they'd estimated.

Their supplies ran out, the men forced to eat rats and drink putrid water.

Nineteen died of scurvy.

Then, after 99 days at sea, the lookouts spied land.

They found Guam in the Mariana Islands,

but when the islanders stole one of their boats, fighting broke out and Magellan had to leave without fresh provisions.

A week later, Magellan and his men became the first Europeans to reach The Philippines, where they were able to feast on bananas and coconuts.

With Magellan's Malays slave acting as translator, they sailed on through The Philippines, to Cebu.

Where they made an alliance with a local ruler who agreed to be baptised a Christian and swore allegiance to the King of Spain.

A local chief from the island of Mactan then asked Magellan for help in defeating his rival named Datu Lapu-lapu, and Magellan agreed.

He crossed to Mactan with 60 men in boats. But though the Europeans had superior weapons and armour, they were massively outnumbered.

After burning the enemy village, Magellan's men were driven back into the shallow water where Magellan himself was cut down as they tried to reach the boats.

Now their former allies on Cebu turned on Magellan's crew, butchering 30 of them in an ambush.

The survivors fled. With only enough men left to crew two ships, they burned the Concepción and continued their search for the Spice Islands.

They travelled to the Muslim Court of Brunei on Borneo and were amazed by its splendor.

Finally, with the help of local guides and more than two years after sailing from Spain, they reached their destination, the spice or Maluku Islands.

Today, part of Indonesia.

They traded everything they had for all the cloves their two ships could carry.

But as they prepared for the long voyage home, the Trinidad sprang a leak and had to stay behind for repairs.

Its crew later tried to return to Spain across the Pacific, but most of the men became sick or died.

The survivors had to return to the Maluku islands where they and the Trinidad were captured by the Portuguese.

The Victoria, the last and smallest ship of Magellan's fleet sailed west for home, captained by Juan Sebastian Elcano.

Crossing the Indian Ocean, it took 9 weeks of battling headwinds before they could round the Cape of Good Hope. The men began to starve once more.

Twenty-one died before they found fresh provisions at Cape Verde.

On the 8th of September 1522, almost exactly 3 years after their departure, the famished, exhausted crew of the Victoria cast anchor at Seville, Spain.

Just 18 of the original crew of 270 had made it home.

But what they and Magellan's expedition had achieved was astonishing. The first voyage of circumnavigation, around the World.

Mankind, at last, at final conclusive proof that their planet was sphere and a greater idea than ever before of its vast size.

It was an incredible feat, not repeated for 58 years when an Englishman named Francis Drake made his own remarkable voyage around the Earth.

This video was made with our friends at Epic History TV.

Watch the other half of this exploration double-bill with the story of Francis Drake here. And if you don't already, why not subscribe to both channels and click the bell to get notified of every new video.