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Ferdinand Magellan
Historical Figures
Ferdinand Magellan
The Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe.
Born
1480
Died
1521
Nationality
Portuguese
Profession
Explorer
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 10 key moments that shaped Ferdinand Magellan's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1480
1480-02-18
Birth
Born in Sabrosa, Portugal
•Age 0•Sabrosa, Portugal
Ferdinand Magellan was born to Rodrigo de Magalhães and Alda de Mesquita, members of the minor Portuguese nobility, in Sabrosa, northern Portugal.
1494
Education
Becomes a Page at the Queen's Court
•Age 14•Lisbon, Portugal
Magellan is sent to the Portuguese court in Lisbon to serve as a page to Queen Leonor, gaining exposure to the royal court and the emerging Age of Discovery.
1505
Career
Joins Portuguese Naval Expedition to India
•Age 25•India
Magellan joins the fleet of Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first viceroy of Portuguese India, as part of a large naval expedition to secure trade routes and establish colonial outposts.
1506
Achievement
Fights in the Battle of Cannanore
•Age 26•Cannanore, India
Magellan participates in the Battle of Cannanore, a significant naval engagement between the Portuguese and the forces of the Zamorin of Calicut, helping to secure Portuguese dominance in the region.
1509
Career
Returns to Lisbon and Seeks Royal Patronage
•Age 29•Lisbon, Portugal
After several years of service in India and Malacca, Magellan returns to Lisbon and seeks support from King Manuel I for a new expedition to find a western route to the Spice Islands.
1513
Personal
Fails to Gain Support from King Manuel I
•Age 33•Lisbon, Portugal
King Manuel I of Portugal rejects Magellan's proposal for a new expedition, leading Magellan to seek support from the Spanish crown instead.
1517
Achievement
Meets with King Charles I of Spain
•Age 37•Seville, Spain
Magellan travels to Seville and meets with King Charles I of Spain (later Holy Roman Emperor Charles V), successfully securing funding and support for his proposed expedition.
1519
Milestone
Departs on the First Circumnavigation Voyage
•Age 39•Seville, Spain
Magellan sets sail from Seville with a fleet of five ships, aiming to find a western route to the Spice Islands and circumnavigate the globe.
1520
Achievement
Discovers the Strait of Magellan
•Age 40•Strait of Magellan, South America
Magellan navigates through the dangerous and narrow passage at the southern tip of South America, later named the Strait of Magellan, marking a crucial achievement in the voyage.
1521
1521-04-27
Death
Dies in Battle on Mactan Island
•Age 41•Mactan Island, Philippines
During a conflict with the inhabitants of Mactan Island in the Philippines, Magellan is killed in battle, ending his life and the direct leadership of the expedition.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Ferdinand Magellan a legendary figure.
1
First circumnavigation of the Earth
2
Discovery of the Strait of Magellan
3
Spanish explorer
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Cultural & Historical Context
Portuguese
Personality Traits
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AmbitiousBrilliantFearless