Ferdinand Magellan

Explorer who led the first circumnavigation

Ferdinand Magellan - Explorer who led the first circumnavigation
Born

1480
545 years ago

Died

April 27th, 1521
503 years ago — 41 years old

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

Portugal

Links & References

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

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