Ferdinand Magellan

Ferdinand Magellan was born around 1480. He was the son of a Portuguese nobleman. He was probably born in Oporto, but no one is positive. His real (Spanish) name was Fernão de Magalhães. He decided he was not recognized for his services, so he gave up his nationality and went to offer his services to the Spanish King, Charles I, in 1517. He was the first European to sail across the Pacific Ocean, and the first to discover a route by which ships could sail a complete circle around the world, called circumnavigating. The strait he discovered was later named after him. This strait is at the southern tip of South America and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. By his journey, he proved the earth was round. He also established a new route to the riches of the East; a route that involved sailing to the west.

Here is a picture of his voyage.

Accomplishments and Timeline:

· 1505-Magellan sailed with a Portuguese fleet to explore and conquer the southeast Asian islands known as the East Indies

· 1517-He was denied Portuguese support for an expedition to reach the Spice Islands, so he gave up his citizenship and went to Spain for funding for his expedition

· September 20, 1519-Magellan sailed west from Spain with five ships in search of a waterway through South America

· October 21, 1520-He entered the Strait of Magellan, a channel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans

· November 28, 1520-Magellan emerged into the Pacific Ocean from the Strait of Magellan

· April 27, 1521-He was killed in a battle in Mactan, an island in the Philippines

· September 6, 1522-Captain Juan Sebastián del Cano returned the remaining ship and crew to Spain, completing the voyage around the world