Overview
This lecture discusses Antonio Pigafetta's "First Voyage Around the World," its author, context, key events, and its significance as a primary source in Philippine history.
Background of Antonio Pigafetta
- Born in late 15th century in Vicenza, Italy; eldest child of Giovanni Pigafetta and Angela Zoga.
- Studied astronomy, geography, cartography, and served on ships of the Knights of Rhodes.
- Joined Magellan's expedition with Monsignor Chieregati in Spain in 1519.
- Documented the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation (1519–1522).
Historical Context of the Document
- Expedition was the first to circumnavigate the world, led by Ferdinand Magellan and later Juan Sebastian Elcano.
- Sponsored by King Charles V of Spain, composed of five ships: Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepcion, Santiago, and Victoria.
- Only the Victoria completed the voyage and returned to Spain in 1522 with Pigafetta on board.
- The document survives in four manuscripts—one Italian, three French; original diary lost.
Key Events in the Philippines (Chronological)
- March 17, 1521: Arrival at Zamal (Samar); first called "watering place of good signs."
- Islands named Archipelago of San Lazaro as found on Saint Lazarus’ Sunday.
- April 1, 1521: First Catholic Mass held in Mazawa (Limasawa) with local leaders and islanders.
- April 8, 1521: Magellan’s men entered Cebu; initial struggle over tribute demands.
- April 15, 1521: Mass baptism of 800 locals; queen received image of Santo Niño.
- April 27-28, 1521: Conflict in Mactan; Magellan killed by Lapulapu’s warriors; battle details documented.
Analysis and Contributions
- Details lifestyle, clothing, food, customs, and communication of early Filipinos.
- Contains first recorded Visayan vocabulary by a European.
- Serves as the only account of Lapulapu’s life and the Battle of Mactan.
- Provides evidence of the world’s roundness and is a key source for understanding the Magellan expedition and early Philippine society.
- Helped document the transition of Filipinos to Christianity and their resistance to Spanish colonization.
- Opened new trade routes, globalized societies, and influenced cultural exchanges worldwide.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Circumnavigate — to sail completely around the world.
- Visayan — relating to the Visayas, a group of islands in the central Philippines.
- Santo Niño — the image of the Christ Child given by Magellan to Cebu’s queen, symbolizing Christianity’s arrival.
- Archipelago of San Lazaro — name given by Magellan’s fleet to the Philippine islands.
- Primary source — a firsthand or contemporary account of an event.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key events and figures mentioned in Pigafetta’s account for upcoming quizzes.
- Read selected passages from Pigafetta’s journal to understand first-contact encounters.
- Study the listed Visayan vocabulary as documented by Pigafetta.