Victoria Completes First Circumnavigation Journey
September 8th, 1522
September 8th, 1522
How Long Ago?
502 years, 6 months, 7 days ago
Location
Seville, Spain
Category
Exploration & Discovery
People
- Ferdinand Magellan
- Juan Sebastián Elcano
Links & References
Tags
Victoria Completes First Circumnavigation Journey
The ship Victoria, part of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, returned to Seville after completing the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Out of five ships, Victoria was the only one to survive the arduous journey which began in 1519. Upon her arrival in Seville, the expedition offered unprecedented proof of the vastness of the Earth and the possibility of global navigation. Commanded by Juan Sebastián Elcano, Victoria carried 18 crew members who had endured significant hardships, including scurvy and conflicts with indigenous populations. This remarkable journey drastically altered European perceptions of geography and trade routes.
Victoria was the first ship to circumnavigate.
Only 18 of the original crew survived.
The voyage revealed new geographical knowledge.
It enhanced European trade and exploration interests.
What Happened?
The circumnavigation of the Earth by the ship Victoria marked a pivotal moment in maritime history and revealed new realities about the world. Commissioned in 1519 by the Spanish crown, Ferdinand Magellan aimed to find a westward sea route to the Spice Islands. Despite Magellan's own demise in the Philippines in 1521, his expedition continued under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano. The Victoria, which set sail with a fleet of five ships, faced treacherous waters, deadly storms, and encounters with diverse indigenous cultures during her journey. After years in the open sea, on September 8, 1522, Victoria returned to Seville with just 18 of the original 270 crew members. The return was celebrated as a monumental triumph and a testament to perseverance and exploration. The surviving crew brought back exotic spices and accounts of their experiences, forever changing European views on the world's geography and cultures. Victoria's voyage demonstrated the potential for global trade routes and the interconnectivity of distant lands, ushering in an age of exploration that would expand European influence worldwide.
Why Does it Matter?
Victoria's return marked the end of the first successful circumnavigation of the globe, reshaping global trade and exploration. It underscored the feasibility of sailing around the world, leading to increased maritime expeditions. The journey influenced European maps and trade routes, highlighting the economic potential of spices and new territories.
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