Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan set out on a journey that would change the course of history. His goal was to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, but his expedition would ultimately become the first to circumnavigate the globe.

Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

by Laurence Bergreen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	501 pages

FREE

Magellan's journey was filled with danger and hardship. His ships were battered by storms, and his crew faced starvation and disease. But Magellan and his crew persevered, ultimately proving that the world was round.

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe was a major milestone in human history. It proved that the world was not flat, as many people had believed, and it opened up new possibilities for exploration and trade.

The Beginning of Magellan's Journey

Magellan was born in Portugal in 1480. He was a skilled navigator and explorer, and he had already made several voyages to the East Indies.

In 1517, Magellan approached the King of Spain with a plan to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. The king approved Magellan's plan, and he gave him five ships and a crew of 270 men.

Magellan's expedition set sail from Spain in September 1519. The ships sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and then down the coast of South America. In October 1520, Magellan's ships entered the Strait of Magellan, a narrow passageway that leads to the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean was much larger than Magellan had expected. His ships sailed for months without sighting land. The crew began to run out of food and water, and many men died from starvation and disease.

Finally, in March 1521, Magellan's ships reached the Philippines. The crew was overjoyed to finally see land, and they were welcomed by the local people.

Magellan stayed in the Philippines for several months. He explored the islands and traded with the local people. He also converted many of the natives to Christianity.

The Death of Magellan

In April 1521, Magellan was killed in a battle with the local people on the island of Mactan. His death was a major blow to the expedition, but his crew decided to continue on without him.

The ships sailed west across the Indian Ocean and then around the Cape of Good Hope. In September 1522, the ships finally returned to Spain. Only 18 of the original 270 crew members had survived the journey.

The Legacy of Magellan

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe was a major milestone in human history. It proved that the world was not flat, as many people had believed, and it opened up new possibilities for exploration and trade.

Magellan's journey also had a lasting impact on the Philippines. The Spanish established a colony in the Philippines, and the country remained under Spanish rule for over 300 years.

Today, Magellan is remembered as one of the greatest explorers in history. His journey around the world was a testament to his courage, determination, and skill as a navigator.

Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

by Laurence Bergreen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	501 pages

FREE