The Incredible Journey of Ferdinand Magellan: A Brief Account of the Voyage Around the World
Ferdinand Magellan is a name synonymous with great exploration, adventure and discovery. A brave Portuguese explorer, he set sail in 1519 on a voyage that would take him and his crew around the world. This was a journey of immense proportions, and one that would change the way we view the world forever.
The Beginning of the Journey
Magellan’s journey began in Seville, Spain, where he assembled his crew of 270 men and set sail with the five-caravel fleet. It was September 1519, and he was determined to find a new route to the Spice Islands, the most sought after commodity at the time. He hoped that this journey would prove the existence of a westward passage to the East, thus avoiding the treacherous route around the tip of Africa.
The Discovery of the Strait of Magellan
The journey was not without its challenges. On 21st October, he landed in Brazil, where he navigated the treacherous waters of the River Plate and Rio de Janeiro. They then travelled down the east coast of Argentina, where they discovered the Rio de la Plata.
As they continued south, it became increasingly difficult to find a passage. On 1st November, they entered a narrow passage, which they named the Strait of Magellan. This passage eventually led them into the Pacific Ocean.
The Dangerous Pacific Crossing
The Pacific Ocean was a formidable foe. It took Magellan and his crew over three months to reach the Mariana Islands, during which time they suffered from scurvy, starvation, and terrible weather conditions. However, they persevered, and finally arrived in the Philippines, where Magellan was unfortunately killed in a tribal conflict on April 27th 1521.
Despite this setback, the journey continued under the leadership of Spanish navigator Juan Sebastian Elcano. They sailed through the Spice Islands and eventually crossed the Indian Ocean, before arriving back in Spain on September 6th 1522.
Conclusion
The journey of Ferdinand Magellan was one of the most important of the Age of Exploration. It was a journey that impacted history, geography, and science in a profound way. The discovery of the Strait of Magellan proved the existence of a passage to the East and opened up new trade routes. This, along with the successful circumnavigation of the world, also expanded our understanding of our planet and led to the creation of more accurate world maps. In short, Magellan’s journey was truly incredible, and one that will continue to inspire and intrigue people for many generations to come.
