Ferdinand Magellan
- Born:
- Spring, 1480 (approximate), Sabrosa, Portugal
- Died:
- April 27, 1521, Mactan Island, Philippines
- Nationality:
- Portuguese (Served Spain)
- Profession(s):
- Explorer, Navigator, Cartographer, Military Officer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a noble Portuguese family.
- Served as a page to Queen Eleanor at the Portuguese royal court.
- Educated in cartography, astronomy, and celestial navigation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in the Portuguese navy in India and Southeast Asia.
- Proposed a westward route to the Spice Islands (Moluccas) to the Spanish Crown.
- 1519-1522: Led the Spanish expedition to circumnavigate the globe. Although Magellan died during the voyage, his expedition was the first to successfully complete the circumnavigation.
- Discovered the Strait of Magellan, a navigable sea route separating mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego.
- Named the Pacific Ocean (Mar Pacifico) due to its apparent peacefulness.
- Established trade routes and expanded European geographical knowledge.
Legacy and Impact
Ferdinand Magellan's expedition proved the Earth was round and connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. His voyage significantly expanded European understanding of the world's geography, though he did not himself complete the journey. Analyzing depictions of historical figures, such as the content in a 'ferdinand magellan mini biography video', helps visualize his era and contributions.
Notable Works
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cartography | Contributed to improved maps of the world, particularly of South America and Southeast Asia. |
| Logbooks & Journals | The expedition's logbooks, primarily kept by Antonio Pigafetta, provided valuable records of the voyage and geographical discoveries. |