Juan Sebastián Elcano
Explorer and navigator of circumnavigation
Born
1476
550 years ago
Died
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
Spain
Links & References
An explorer and navigator played a crucial role in the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Starting in 1519, the expedition aimed to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. Elcano took command of the remaining crew after Ferdinand Magellan's death in the Philippines and successfully completed the journey back to Spain in 1522, aboard the Victoria, proving that the Earth could be circumnavigated by sea. This expedition demonstrated the vastness of the globe and paved the way for future exploration.
Completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth
Commanded the Victoria upon returning to Spain
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