Magellan-Elcano Expedition Circumnavigates the Globe
1519-1522 · Early Modern
Ferdinand Magellan departed Seville with five ships and approximately 270 men, seeking a westward route to the Spice Islands. The fleet navigated the strait at South America's southern tip in November 1520, then crossed the Pacific in 98 days. Magellan was killed in battle in the Philippines on April 27, 1521. Juan Sebastian Elcano assumed command and guided the Victoria across the Indian Ocean and around the Cape of Good Hope. One ship and roughly 18 crew members completed the 60,440-kilometer voyage.
Key Figures
Ferdinand MagellanJuan Sebastian Elcano
Locations
Strait of Magellan
Topics
Age of Explorationcircumnavigationmaritime navigationStrait of Magellanspice tradePacific Ocean crossing
Connected Events — 3 Connections
Columbus's 1492 Atlantic crossing preceded and motivated subsequent Spanish westward exploration Columbus Departs Spain with the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María
The Treaty of Tordesillas motivated Spain to seek a westward route outside Portuguese-claimed waters Treaty of Tordesillas Divides the New World
Mediterranean naval technology from Lepanto evolved into the oceanic vessels that circumnavigated the globe Holy League Fleet Defeats Ottoman Navy at Lepanto
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