The Age of Exploration: Magellan's Voyage

Introduction

• Late 1400s: New age of European exploration begins
• Key players: Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian sailors
• Motivations: Christian zeal and profit, especially in spice trade
• Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg worth immense wealth

Portugal's Dominance and Spain's Ambition

• By 1518, Portugal dominated the route to the Spice Islands
• Spain sought an alternate route

Fernão de Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan)

• Background: 38-year-old Portuguese sailor, experienced navigator
• Conflict with King of Portugal; approached King Charles I of Spain
• Proposed sailing around the New World to reach the Spice Islands from the east
• Accepted proposal; expedition assembled with 270 crew and 5 ships (Carracks)

Expedition Journey Begins

• Set sail on September 20, 1519
• Crossed stormy Atlantic to modern-day Rio de Janeiro
  • Traded with local tribes for food and water
• Continued south, faced winter storms at Puerto San Julián

Mutiny and Challenges

• Faced mutiny led by Spanish officers
• Magellan's response: ruthless actions against mutineers (executions, marooning)
• Ship Santiago wrecked but crew saved; San Antonio deserted

Discovery of the Strait

• Discovered a strait (now Magellan Strait) leading to the Pacific Ocean
• Named Pacific Ocean (Mar Pacifico) due to calm waters
• Underestimated the size of the Pacific Ocean; supplies ran out
  • Forced to eat rats; 19 died of scurvy

Reaching Guam and the Philippines

• After 99 days, landed on Guam but faced conflict with islanders
• Continued to the Philippines, first Europeans to arrive
• Able to feast on local fruits; established alliances with local rulers

Conflict and Death of Magellan

• Local chief asked for help against rival Datu Lapu-Lapu
• Magellan's forces outnumbered; led to his death in battle
• Remaining crew faced ambush from former allies on Cebu

Remaining Journey and Conclusion

• Crew burned the Concepción; continued search for Spice Islands
• Reached Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) after 2 years of travel
• Traded everything for spices; Trinidad ship left behind for repairs
• Victoria (smallest ship) sailed home with 18 of the original crew
• Returned to Seville on September 8, 1522, after 3 years

Significance of the Voyage

• First circumnavigation of the globe
• Proved Earth is a sphere, expanded understanding of its size
• Remarkable journey not repeated for 58 years until Francis Drake

Call to Action

• Encouragement to watch the other exploration stories and subscribe to the channels.