How Magellan circumnavigated the globe - Ewandro Magalhaes

Summary

In 1522, the 'Victoria' completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, a historic journey fraught with mutiny, shipwrecks, and Magellan's death. The expedition began in 1519, driven by Spain's quest for a westward route to the lucrative Spice Islands. Despite setbacks, including Magellan's demise and the loss of ships, the surviving crew, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, returned to Spain with a profitable cargo. The voyage's chronicler, Pigafetta, documented the journey, which defied conventional wisdom and left a lasting legacy.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The 'Victoria' completed the first circumnavigation of the globe in 1522, marking a significant achievement in maritime history.
• 👑 The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided the New World between Spain and Portugal, with Spain gaining the right to explore westward for new trade routes.
• 🌍 Spain sought a westward route to the Spice Islands due to Portugal's control over the eastern sea routes, which were highly lucrative for the spice trade.
• 🏴‍☠️ Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese defector, was granted command of a Spanish fleet to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, with the promise of a share in the profits.
• 📜 Magellan's fleet set sail in 1519 with five ships and about 260 men, including a young slave named Enrique and a Venetian nobleman, Antonio Pigafetta.
• 🛑 The fleet faced mutiny and harsh weather conditions, with Magellan suppressing the mutiny and the 'Santiago' being wrecked during the journey.
• 🚢 The 'San Antonio' abandoned the expedition, leaving Magellan with three ships to navigate through what is now known as the Strait of Magellan.
• 🌊 The Pacific Ocean proved to be vast and challenging, with the fleet losing many men to scurvy and famine before reaching land again.
• ⚔️ Magellan was killed in the Philippines while attempting to subdue a rebellious chief, leaving the expedition without its leader.
• 🗺️ After Magellan's death, the expedition continued under new leadership, eventually reaching the Spice Islands and acquiring a valuable cargo.
• 🔥 The 'Trinidad' was lost, and the 'Victoria', under Juan Sebastián Elcano, successfully returned to Spain, completing the historic circumnavigation.
• 📔 Antonio Pigafetta's detailed chronicles and the world's first phrase book of native languages provide a record of the journey and its encounters.

Q & A

What significant event did the 'Victoria' achieve on September 6, 1522?

The 'Victoria' achieved the first circumnavigation of the globe.

Why did the Catholic Spanish rulers turn to the Pope after Columbus's discovery in 1492?

They sought to preempt any claims by Portugal to the new lands discovered by Columbus.

What was the outcome of the dispute between Spain and Portugal regarding new territories?

The Pope drew an imaginary line on the world map, dividing the territories between Spain and Portugal, which was formalized in the Treaty of Tordesillas.

What were the main trade routes that Spain and Portugal were interested in, and why were they valuable?

They were interested in trade routes to the Spice Islands in today's Indonesia because the spices found there were worth many times their weight in gold.

Why did Spain decide to sail westward to reach the Spice Islands?

Due to Portugal's control over the eastern sea routes, sailing west was Spain's only viable option.

Who was Ferdinand Magellan, and what role did he play in the Spanish armada?

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese defector who claimed a westward route to the Spice Islands existed. He was made captain of the Spanish armada and given resources for the voyage.

What were the names of the two notable crew members on Magellan's fleet?

The two notable crew members were Enrique, a young slave, and Antonio Pigafetta, a Venetian nobleman.

What was the outcome of the mutiny against Magellan's leadership?

Magellan crushed the mutiny with unspeakable cruelty, maintaining his leadership over the fleet.

How did the 'Victoria' return to Spain after Magellan's death?

The 'Victoria' continued west, piloted by Juan Sebastián Elcano, one of the pardoned mutineers, and made it back to Spain with a full cargo of cloves and cinnamon.

What is the significance of Antonio Pigafetta's journal?

Pigafetta's journal is significant because it chronicled the lands and people they encountered and compiled the world's first phrase book of native languages, allowing us to tell this story.

What legacy did Magellan and Elcano leave behind?

Magellan's legacy includes having galaxies and space programs named after him, while Elcano was celebrated in Spain with a coat of arms and his face on currency and stamps.