Ferdinand Magellan
Explorer who led the first circumnavigation
Explorer who led the first circumnavigation
1480
546 years ago
Explorers & Adventurers
Portugal
Conducted the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the globe. Set sail from Spain in 1519 with a fleet of five ships, seeking a westward route to the Spice Islands. Discovered the strait that now bears his name, the Strait of Magellan, at the southern tip of South America. Magellan's voyage was ultimately completed by the remaining crew members, as he was killed in the Philippines in 1521.
Led the first circumnavigation of the globe
Discovered the Strait of Magellan
Ruled as Elector of Saxony from 1691 until death in 1694. His reign was marked by the continuation of the House of Wettin’s prominence in the region. Strongly influenced by the prevailing political context of his time, he maintained Saxony's alliances and its position in the Holy Roman Empire. John George IV supported the arts and culture, contributing to the development and construction of architectural landmarks, including the Sachsenhaus Castle. His leadership facilitated a brief period of stability amid the changing tides of European power dynamics.
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