Born in 1480 in northern (1) , this individual was a pivotal figure in the Age of Discovery, renowned for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the (2) . From a young age, they demonstrated a talent for navigation and seamanship, gaining experience in maritime exploration and combat during voyages to India and Southeast Asia under Portuguese command. Their deep knowledge of the (3) trade routes would shape their legacy.
Seeking a western route to the Spice Islands, they turned to Spain after failing to (4) support from their homeland. In 1519, they set sail with five ships on a mission to discover a sea passage that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. After navigating the (5) waters at the southern tip of South America—through a strait that now bears their name—they became the first to lead a (6) into the vast and uncharted ocean they would call the “Pacific,” for its calmness compared to previous challenges.
While they reached the Philippine (7) , their journey was cut short in 1521 when they lost their life during a conflict with local inhabitants. Despite this, their (8) continued the expedition, and in 1522, the remaining ship returned to Spain, completing the first full circumnavigation of the Earth.
Their achievement proved the planet’s true (9) and interconnectedness, reshaping global trade and exploration. They remain a symbol of human determination, courage, and the relentless pursuit of discovery, even though they did not live to see the (10) of their historic voyage.
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Born in 1480 in northern (1) Portugal, this individual was a pivotal figure in the Age of Discovery, renowned for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the (2) globe. From a young age, they demonstrated a talent for navigation and seamanship, gaining experience in maritime exploration and combat during voyages to India and Southeast Asia under Portuguese command. Their deep knowledge of the (3) spice trade routes would shape their legacy.
Seeking a western route to the Spice Islands, they turned to Spain after failing to (4) secure support from their homeland. In 1519, they set sail with five ships on a mission to discover a sea passage that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. After navigating the (5) treacherous waters at the southern tip of South America—through a strait that now bears their name—they became the first to lead a (6) fleet into the vast and uncharted ocean they would call the “Pacific,” for its calmness compared to previous challenges.
While they reached the Philippine (7) archipelago, their journey was cut short in 1521 when they lost their life during a conflict with local inhabitants. Despite this, their (8) crew continued the expedition, and in 1522, the remaining ship returned to Spain, completing the first full circumnavigation of the Earth.
Their achievement proved the planet’s true (9) scale and interconnectedness, reshaping global trade and exploration. They remain a symbol of human determination, courage, and the relentless pursuit of discovery, even though they did not live to see the (10) completion of their historic voyage.
▶ Click to show questions for discussion.
What were Ferdinand Magellan’s key contributions to exploration, and how did his expedition achieve the first circumnavigation of the globe?
How did Magellan’s voyage impact European understanding of geography and the interconnectedness of the world’s oceans?
What challenges did Magellan and his crew face during their journey, and how did they overcome them to complete their mission?
What role did Magellan’s exploration play in advancing Spain’s global influence and trade networks during the Age of Exploration?
What is Magellan’s legacy in the history of exploration, and how has his achievement shaped modern perspectives on navigation and discovery?